The Effects of Exercise on Expression of CYP19 and StAR mRNA in Steroid-Induced Polycystic Ovaries of Female Rats

Objective PCOS is the most frequent female endocrine disorder, affecting 5%-10% of women, is characterized by hyperandrogenism, oligo-/anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. The aim of the present research is to evaluate the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and CYP19 (aromatase) mRNA in the ovary of EV-induced PCOS rat model and the effect of the treadmill and running wheel exercises on these parameters. MaterialsAndMethods In this experimental study, adult female Wistar rats that weighed Approximately 220 ± 20 g were divided into control, PCOS (experimental group), PCOS with treadmill exercise and PCOS with running wheel exercise groups (n=10 per group). They had every 2 to 3 consecutive estrous cycle during 12 to 14 days. The expression of StAR and CYP19 mRNA in ovary was determined by the quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA using SPSS software, version 16. The data were assessed at α=0.05. Results The mRNA expression of CYP19 in EV-induced PCOS, voluntary and treadmill exercise rats were significantly lower compared to control group (p=0.00). There is no significant effect of treadmill exercise (p=0.9) or running wheel exercise (p=0.8) on CYP19 mRNA expression compared to PCOS group. The mRNA expression of StAR in the ovary of PCOS group indicated a trend toward increase compared to control group however it was not statistically significant (p=0.8). Eight weeks of running wheel and treadmill exercise could not statistically decrease the StAR mRNA expression compared to PCOS group (p=0.6). Conclusion in brief, EV-induced PCOS in rats is associated with decreased CYP19 mRNA expression; but with no effect on StAR mRNA expression. We also demonstrated that voluntary exercise (running wheel exercise) and moderate treadmill exercise could not modify CYP19 mRNA and StAR mRNA expressions.