Functional investigation on aromatase in endometrial hyperplasia in polycystic ovary syndrome cases.

Objective: To explore the possible significance of aromatase P450 in endometrial hyperplasia with a background of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of aromatase P450 in endometrium of PCOS patients. Semiquantitative analysis of aromatase P450 expression of mRNA and protein level wasalso carried out by real-time quantitative RT-PCR method.

Effects of oocyte vitrification on histone modifications.

Vitrification has been widely used as an assisted reproductive technology in animals and humans, yet the impact of oocyte vitrification and warming on survival and histone modifications has to be evaluated. In the present study, the survival of mouse MII oocytes was assessed after freezing, as were changes in histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) dimethylation, histone 4 lysine 5 (H4K5) acetylation and histone 3 lysine 14 (H3K14) acetylation. The results show that, in oocytes subjected to vitrification, H3K9 methylation and H4K5 acetylation were increased.

Selective impairment in glycogen synthase kinase-3 and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation: comparisons with the hyperandrogenic and the hyperinsulinemic rats.

Objective: To characterize and compare the effect of DHEA and insulin plus hCG on ovarian morphology, estrous cycle, hormonal levels, insulin sensitivity, and the regulation of insulin signaling in rats.

Design: Animal model study.

Setting: University laboratory.