Semin Reprod Med 2024; 42(01): 041-048
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787525
Review Article

Anti-Müllerian Hormone: A Molecular Key to Unlocking Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
2   Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
3   Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
,
Beverly A. Hutcherson
2   Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
3   Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
4   Dean's Office, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
,
5   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles, California
› Author Affiliations
Funding This study was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grants R21 HD102172 (D.H.A.), R01 DK121559 (D.H.A.), P51 OD011106 (D.H.A.), U01 HD044650 (D.A.D., B.H.A., D.H.A.) P50HD071836 (D.A.D.) and Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club (D.A.D.). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.

Abstract

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is an important component within androgen receptor (AR)-regulated pathways governing the hyperandrogenic origin of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In women with PCOS, granulosa cell AMH overexpression in developing ovarian follicles contributes to elevated circulating AMH levels beginning at birth and continuing in adolescent daughters of PCOS women. A 6 to 7% incidence among PCOS women of gene variants coding for AMH or its receptor, AMHR2, suggests genetic contributions to AMH-related pathogenesis. Discrete gestational AMH administration to pregnant mice induces hypergonadotropic hyperandrogenic, PCOS-like female offspring with high circulating AMH levels that persist over three generations, suggesting epigenetic contributions to PCOS through developmental programming. Moreover, adult-onset, selective hyperactivation of hypothalamic neurons expressing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) induces hypergonadotropic hyperandrogenism and PCOS-like traits in female mice. Both gestational and adult AMH inductions of PCOS-like traits are prevented by GnRH antagonist coadministration, implicating luteinizing hormone–dependent ovarian theca cell testosterone (T) action, mediated through the AR in AMH-induced pathogenesis. Interestingly, gestational or peripubertal exogenous T or dihydrotestosterone induction of PCOS-like traits in female mice, rats, sheep, and monkeys fails to elicit ovarian AMH hypersecretion; thus, AMH excess per se may lead to a distinct pathogenic contribution to hyperandrogenic PCOS origins.



Publication History

Article published online:
22 June 2024

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