(P11-053-23) Disruption of Ovarian One-Carbon Metabolism in the Agouti Mouse

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine ovarian one-carbon metabolism in the agouti mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Methods: Five-week old lethal yellow agouti mice and their wild-type (WT) controls were fed a modified AIN93 diet and sacrificed at 8, 16, and 24 wk of age.  Hepatic and ovarian mRNA abundance of key one-carbon metabolism enzymes were evaluated by RT-qPCR.

Results: Compared to WT mice, 8-wk old agouti mice exhibited a 4.6-fold increase and a 27% decrease in Bhmt transcript abundance in the ovary and liver, respectively.  Gnmt transcript abundance was reduced 44% in agouti mouse ovaries at 16 wk and a 33% reduction in hepatic Gnmt abundance at 24 wk.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate differential tissue-specific expression of one-carbon metabolism enzymes in the agouti mouse with polycystic ovary syndrome, indicating aberrant methyl group and homocysteine metabolism in liver and ovary tissue.

Funding Sources: Funded by the NIH (NICHD) and the Iowa State University Martin Fund