title: Manifestation of Hyperandrogenism in the Continuous Light Exposure-Induced PCOS Rat Model.
abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder, and its pathogenesis has yet to be completely clarified. A fully convincing animal model has not been established for PCOS. In earlier studies, researchers have shown that the exposure of rats to continuous light can induce PCOS; nevertheless, hyperandrogenism, a key characteristic observed in human PCOS, has not been reported previously. In the present study, we found that (1) body weights decreased in female rats in a continuous light environment with both ovarian and uterine augmentation; (2) the estrous cycle in rats under continuous light environment was disordered, and polycystic ovary-like changes occurred, accompanied with fur loss and lethargy; and (3) serum testosterone levels in rats in a continuous light environment significantly increased. Our data suggest that continuous light can lead to the occurrence of PCOS in female rats without the need for drugs; this is a reasonable PCOS animal model that is more consistent with the natural disease state in humans; and poor sleep habits or negligence of sleep hygiene may be an important lifestyle factor in pathogenesis of PCOS.
authors.affiliation: College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China ; Shanghai Research Center for Acupuncture and Meridians, Shanghai 201203, China.
authors.forename: Xuezhi
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jia
authors.affiliation: College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China ; Shanghai Research Center for Acupuncture and Meridians, Shanghai 201203, China.
authors.forename: Xueyong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Shen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000528:radiation effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D030762:Estrous Cycle / Q000528:radiation effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008027:Light; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D051381:Rats; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone