Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of female infertility and results in a substantial financial burden to the American healthcare system. PCOS patients experience gynecological symptoms, such as infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, and also a metabolic syndrome of obesity and hyperinsulinemic insulin resistance. Despite the importance of this disorder, the definitive etiology of PCOS is not known. Under the direction Dr. Krisher, Dr. Newell-Fugate validated the obese Ossabaw pig as an animal model of PCOS which embodies the reproductive characteristics of the disease and which is accessible for large scale research. The obese Ossabaw pig meets all of the Rotterdam PCOS diagnostic criteria- hyperandrogenemia, cystic ovaries, and elongated estrous cycles (oligoovulation)-in addition to having hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia. The objective of this K01 grant, which will foster Dr. Newell-Fugate's development as an independent investigator, is to examine the steroidogenic aberrations which lead to hyperandrogenemia and the interrelationship between hyperandrogenemia and the endometrium in the obese Ossabaw pig model of PCOS. Based on our preliminary data, we hypothesize that the obese Ossabaw pig will mimic PCOS steroidogenic aberrations and provide clues to implantation failure due to endometrial dysfunction in human PCOS patients. Using our PCOS model animal, we plan to accomplish our objective through pursuit of two specific aims: 1) Examine the ovary and adrenal to elucidate the steroidogenic mechanisms responsible for the elevated androgen concentrations; 2) Assess gene regulation and protein expression in the secretory endometrium during the implantation window. Similar to PCOS in humans, we expect that our model animal to have a pathogenic biochemical and molecular basis for abnormal androgen production and altered progesterone regulated gene expression in the endometrial implantation window. The mentors on this application are well-prepared to guide Dr. Newell-Fugate in the project due to their extensive research backgrounds in endocrinology, uterine biology, and human PCOS. The proposed research is innovative because it will develop a model animal for PCOS to facilitate development and testing of treatment modalities for infertility due to ovarian and endometrial dysfunction. Lastly, the research proposed and career development and training activities outlined, will prepare Dr. Newell-Fugate for the independent investigator stage of her scientific career.

Public Health Relevance

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) manifests reproductive (infertility); endocrine (androgen excess); and metabolic (obesity and insulin resistance) pathologies and is the most prevalent reproductive endocrine disorder in women; resulting in a significant burden to the American healthcare system. With the continued characterization of our Ossabaw pig model; we will elucidate the similarities in steroidogenic pathophysiology between our model animal and human PCOS and will determine the specific effects of hyperandrogenemia on the implantation endometrial environment. Further characterization of such a model animal will establish its utility in the development and testing of new clinical treatments for the reproductive and endocrine symptoms of PCOS.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Office of The Director, National Institutes of Health (OD)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
7K01OD011177-05
Application #
8985816
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRR1-CM-2 (01))
Program Officer
Fuchs, Bruce
Project Start
2014-12-15
Project End
2016-07-31
Budget Start
2015-03-18
Budget End
2016-07-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$77,766
Indirect Cost
$5,760
Name
Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Department
Type
Schools of Earth Sciences/Natur
DUNS #
847205713
City
College Station
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77843
Newell-Fugate, Annie E; Lenz, Katherine; Skenandore, Cassandra et al. (2017) Effects of coconut oil on glycemia, inflammation, and urogenital microbial parameters in female Ossabaw mini-pigs. PLoS One 12:e0179542
Newell-Fugate, Annie E; Taibl, Jessica N; Alloosh, Mouhamad et al. (2015) Effects of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome on Steroidogenesis and Folliculogenesis in the Female Ossabaw Mini-Pig. PLoS One 10:e0128749