The role of IGFBP7 in the immune regulation of PCOS-like symptoms based on spleen transcriptome and TCR β CDR3 repertoire analysis.

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often linked with immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation, where immune responses play a significant role. Recent studies have identified IGFBP7 involvement in immune processes, suggesting its potential role in modulating immune function. However, the involvement of IGFBP7 in immune modulation within the context of PCOS remains underexplored. In this study, we utilized a Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS mouse model, including both wild-type and IGFBP7 knockout (KO) mice, to investigate the involvement of IGFBP7 in immune regulation related to PCOS. We performed spleen transcriptome sequencing and TCR β CDR3 repertoire sequencing to assess changes in immune gene expression and T cell receptor diversity. Our findings demonstrate that IGFBP7^-/- significantly mitigates PCOS-like symptoms, normalizing estrous cycles and improving ovarian morphology. Transcriptome analysis revealed a substantial downregulated genes in the spleen of IGFBP7^-/- mice, with enrichment in pathways associated with immune function. Additionally, in the DHEA-induced PCOS mouse model, TCR β CDR3 repertoire analysis indicated increased clonality and decreased diversity, alongside alterations in V and J gene usage in IGFBP7^-/- mice. These results highlight the critical role of IGFBP7 in immune regulation within the context of PCOS, offering new insights into the immune mechanisms underlying PCOS pathology.