Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a type of endocrine metabolic disorder with many different consequences to health, most commonly infertility, obesity and insulin resistance. Trivalent chromium (Cr3+) was previously found to improve the metabolic profiles of patients with PCOS. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Cr on regulating steroidogenic enzymes in adipose tissue. Female BALB/c mice were divided into three groups (n = 6 per group): the control group, PCOS + placebo milk group and PCOS + Cr-containing milk group. The dietary intake of Cr significantly decreased fasting blood sugar (FBS) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels in the murine model of PCOS. Importantly, we found significant correlations among the levels of Cr, insulin and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). In adipose tissue, decreases in the enzyme expressions of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, but not of aromatase, were observed. By understanding the role of steroidogenic enzymes in PCOS in normal and pathological states, trace elements may be used as a form of adjunctive therapy in the management of patients with PCOS.
Keywords: Adipose tissue; dehydroepiandrosterone; polycystic ovary syndrome; steroidogenic enzymes; trivalent chromium.