Role of adiponectin/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha signaling in human chorionic gonadotropin-induced estradiol synthesis in human luteinized granulosa cells

Abstract Impaired steroid production in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may result from adiponectinsystem dysfunction. However, adiponectin's role in ovulatory dysfunction remains unclear. We aimed to determine whether human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG) and adiponectinaffect progesterone and estradiol secretion by granulosa cells(GCs) from overweight or obese women with PCOS or normal ovulation. ADIPOR2 expression was higher in hCG-treated GCs from PCOS patients than in those from normovulatory women. hCG may upregulate ADIPOR2 expression through cAMP/PKA signaling in GCs. GCs from both groups expressed PPARA . Estradiol levels were lower in hCG + adiponectin-treated GCs from PCOS patients than in those from normovulatory women. hCG + adiponectindecreased P450 aromataseexpression through adiponectin/PPARα signaling in GCs. Adiponectindownregulates hCG-induced estradiol levels in GCs from overweight or obese women through gonadotropin– adiponectincrosstalk. Changes in gonadotropinand adiponectinsignaling in the ovarian microenvironment may improve symptoms in women with PCOS.