Early embryonic androgen exposure induces transgenerational epigenetic and metabolic changes

Mol Endocrinol. 2014 Aug;28(8):1329-36. doi: 10.1210/me.2014-1042. Epub 2014 Jul 3.

Abstract

Androgen excess is a central feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects 6% to 10% of young women. Mammals exposed to elevated androgens in utero develop PCOS-like phenotypes in adulthood, suggesting fetal origins of PCOS. We hypothesize that excess androgen exposure during early embryonic development may disturb the epigenome and disrupt metabolism in exposed and unexposed subsequent generations. Zebrafish were used to study the underlying mechanism of fetal origins. Embryos were exposed to androgens (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) early at 26 to 56 hours post fertilization or late at 21 to 28 days post fertilization. Exposed zebrafish (F0) were grown to adults and crossed to generate unexposed offspring (F1). For both generations, global DNA methylation levels were examined in ovaries using a luminometric methylation assay, and fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels were measured. We found that early but not late androgen exposure induced changes in global methylation and glucose homeostasis in both generations. In general, F0 adult zebrafish exhibited altered global methylation levels in the ovary; F1 zebrafish had global hypomethylation. Fasting blood glucose levels were decreased in F0 but increased in F1; postprandial glucose levels were elevated in both F0 and F1. This androgenized zebrafish study suggests that transient excess androgen exposure during early development can result in transgenerational alterations in the ovarian epigenome and glucose homeostasis. Current data cannot establish a causal relationship between epigenetic changes and altered glucose homeostasis. Whether transgenerational epigenetic alteration induced by prenatal androgen exposure plays a role in the development of PCOS in humans deserves study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose
  • DNA Methylation
  • Dihydrotestosterone / metabolism
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Female
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / metabolism*
  • Testosterone / physiology
  • Zebrafish

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Blood Glucose
  • Dihydrotestosterone
  • Testosterone
  • Glucose

Grants and funding

This work was supported by internal funds and by the Cedars-Sinai Winnick Clinical Scholars Award (to M.O.G.).