The effect of trivalent chromium on endocrine metabolism in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome

• Main Authors: Tsung-Sheng Chen, 陳宗聖
• Other Authors: 毛嘉洪
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/83824911307858794986

博士 === 國立中興大學 === 獸醫學系暨研究所 === 105 === Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder and one of the most common causes of anovulatory infertility. In addition, insulin resistance is commonly associated with PCOS and contributed to pathophysiology connected to dietary minerals including chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). Trivalent chromium (Cr3+) was previously found to improve the metabolic profiles of patients with PCOS. The aim of this study was to explore whether PCOS in mice alters levels of these elements and determine if Cr supplementation resolves changes. The aim of this study were to explore: 1) whether PCOS in mice alters levels of these elements and determine if Cr supplementation resolves changes; 2) the effect of Cr on regulating steroidogenic enzymes in adipose tissue. Twenty-four female BALB/c mice were divided into three groups of eight mice [control (FC), PCOS + placebo milk (FPC), and PCOS + Cr-containing milk (FPCr)]. Each group received a high-fat diet for 4 weeks. The dietary intake of Cr significantly decreased fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin, hepatic iron concentration and serum Cu/Zn ratio in a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-treated PCOS mouse model. Importantly, we found significant correlations among the levels of Cr, insulin and DHEA. Moreover, Cr supplementation can decrease the enzyme expressions of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-HSD in adipose tissue. Given that significant research shows that Cr supplementation improves hormones and metal metabolism disorders for PCOS mice, our data suggest that trace element levels can be used as a form of adjunctive therapy in the management of patients with PCOS.