Högskolan i Skövde

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. The major features of PCOS include polycystic cysts, excess androgens, and polycystic ovaries. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen, and when in excess causes associated with PCOS used to induce PCOS in animal models. In excess, DHT is associated with PCOS features. This study aimed to induce PCOS-like symptoms in Drosophila Melanogaster by supplementing DHT in the diet. The reproductive and metabolic features of PCOS were investigated. Fecundity rates, triglyceride levels, and gene expression levels of Toll and Med genes were assessed. The mean levels of triglycerides (P=0.023) had significantly increased in the high-dose DHT group (F2 generation). The mean expression levels (P=0.02) of the Toll gene were significantly increased in the low-dose DHT group. The treatment of DHT, however, did not affect the fecundity rates of the Drosophila. These findings suggest that DHT induces PCOS-associated metabolic features of lipid alterations and chronic low-grade inflammation. Assessment of the impact on fertility did not give conclusive results thus additional methodologies could be considered in studying the reproductive function. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study highlight the potential of using Drosophila as a model in PCOS research.