TNFR1 is Upregulated and Mediates Apoptosis in Cumulus Cells of Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Abstract Purpose To investigate the changes of human granulosa cell, TNFR1, TNFR2 and their downstream molecules in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the control group. Methods We recruited infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (n = 30) and compared them with infertility due to fallopian tube obstruction(n = 30, control group). The ovaries were stimulated with GnRH agonists and gonadotropins. Follicular fluid from large follicles ([14 mm]) was pooled and granulosa cells (GCs) were separated by a cellular filter. The TNF-α level of follicular fluid was measured by ELISA. TUNEL assay were used to detect the apoptosis of purified GCs. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of TNF-related signaling molecules in GCs. Results The rate of high quality embryos in the PCOS group was lower than that in the control group. There were higher percentages of apoptosis in GCs of PCOS patients than in the control group. TNF-α is upregulated in follicular fluid of PCOS patients. TNFR1 and caspase-3 mRNA level were signifificantly higher in PCOS group than in the control group. TNF-α-mediated apoptosis of PCOS granulosa cells was mainly dependent on TNFR1.The TNF-α/TNFR1 signaling pathway mediates apoptosis rather than survival in cumulus cells of PCOS patients. Conclusions TNF-α expression was upregulated in follicular fluid of PCOS patients, and TNFR1 overexpression in female granulosa cells of PCOS was associated with higher levels of apoptosis in these cells, suggesting that the TNF-α/TNFR1 signaling pathway may be a candidate for higher apoptosis in female granulosa cells of PCOS.