CXCL13 and CXCR5 are upregulated in PCOS mice ovaries but downregulated following metformin administration

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2022 Oct 1:556:111730. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111730. Epub 2022 Jul 31.

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is becoming a common pathology among women, yet its pathogenesis remains enigmatic. The chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 13 (CXCL13) and its receptor type 5 (CXCR5) regulate inflammatory responses but their roles in PCOS remain unknown. Metformin is commonly administered to PCOS patients but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to determine the expression of CXCL13 and CXCR5 in the ovaries of PCOS mice and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of metformin on them. The study comprised four groups of mice: control, PCOS, PCOS plus metformin, and PCOS plus vehicle. CXCL13 and CXCR5 were found to be elevated in the ovarian tissues of the PCOS mice. Metformin reduced ovarian CXCL13 and CXCR5 expressions in the PCOS mice. Hence, CXCL13 and CXCR5 are potentially involved in PCOS pathogenesis; and metformin may help alleviate the symptoms of PCOS by inhibiting CXCL13 expression and actions.

Keywords: CXCL13; CXCR5; Extracellular-signaling-related kinase; Inflammation; Metformin; Polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chemokine CXCL13
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Metformin* / pharmacology
  • Metformin* / therapeutic use
  • Mice
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Receptors, CXCR5 / metabolism

Substances

  • CXCL13 protein, human
  • CXCR5 protein, human
  • Chemokine CXCL13
  • Cxcl13 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, CXCR5
  • Metformin