DHT increases lipid storage in liver cells and upregulates eNOS, AKT 1/2/3, and GSK-3�� phosphorylation.
Department
Biological Sciences
Advisor
Jackie Towner
Document Type
Event
Version
Metadata Only
Keywords:
PCOS, NAFLD, cultured cells
Abstract
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the leading endocrine diseases in women; however, the pathophysiology of this disease is not well understood. People with PCOS often have increased serum androgen levels and a risk of metabolic diseases, including insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Using liver cells in vitro, we observed increased lipid storage in cells treated with testosterone as measured by both fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. In addition, liver cells treated with testosterone showed increased phosphorylation of proteins involved in signaling pathways, including endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), protein kinase B (PKB, also known as AKT), and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3��. Exploring the pathways downstream of increased testosterone levels will help explain the hormonal and metabolic complications of PCOS.
Recommended Citation
Chriske, Annah; Stoeckman, Angela; and Towner, Jackie, "DHT increases lipid storage in liver cells and upregulates eNOS, AKT 1/2/3, and GSK-3�� phosphorylation." (2024). Science Symposium. 16.
https://spark.bethel.edu/science_symposium/spring2024/schedule2024/16
DHT increases lipid storage in liver cells and upregulates eNOS, AKT 1/2/3, and GSK-3�� phosphorylation.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the leading endocrine diseases in women; however, the pathophysiology of this disease is not well understood. People with PCOS often have increased serum androgen levels and a risk of metabolic diseases, including insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Using liver cells in vitro, we observed increased lipid storage in cells treated with testosterone as measured by both fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. In addition, liver cells treated with testosterone showed increased phosphorylation of proteins involved in signaling pathways, including endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), protein kinase B (PKB, also known as AKT), and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3��. Exploring the pathways downstream of increased testosterone levels will help explain the hormonal and metabolic complications of PCOS.