Granulosa cells from immature follicles exhibit restricted glycolysis and reduced energy production: a dominant problem in polycystic ovary syndrome

Purpose We hypothesized that immature oocytes are associated with impaired energy production in surrounding granulosa cells (GCs) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Thus, this study investigated mitochondrial function, determined expression of glycolytic regulatory enzymes, and measured ATP levels in GCs of PCOS patients. Methods GCs were isolated from forty-five PCOS patients and 45 control women. Intracellular concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ m ), the rate of glycolysis, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ATP level were measured in GCs. The gene expression and protein levels of glycolytic enzymes (hexokinase, muscular phosphofructokinase, platelet derived phosphofructokinase, and muscular pyruvate kinase) were determined. Association of GC energy level with oocyte maturation was further validated by measuring glycolysis rate and ATP level in GCs isolated from mature and immature follicles from new set of fifteen PCOS patients and 15 controls. Results PCOS patients showed higher ROS level, decreased TAC, reduced CAT and SOD activities, and lower Δψ m together with reduced expression of key glycolytic enzymes. ATP concentration and biochemical pregnancy were lower in PCOS compared with control group. ATP levels were found to be significantly correlated with ROS and Δψ m ( r = − 0.624 and r = 0.487, respectively). GCs isolated from immature follicles had significantly lower ATP levels and rate of glycolysis compared with the GCs separated from mature follicles in both PCOS patients and control. Conclusion Declined energy due to the mitochondrial dysfunction and restrained glycolysis in GCs is associated with the immature oocytes and lower biochemical pregnancy in PCOS. Graphical Abstract