Connection between granulosa cell pyroptosis and oocyte endoplasmic reticulum stress in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome

This study investigates the link between granulosa cell pyroptosis and oocyte endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It was found that high androgen levels induce pyroptosis in ovarian granulosa cells, leading to increased ER stress in oocytes and a reduced oocyte maturation rate. Treatment with cyproterone acetate (CPA) and the pyroptosis inhibitor disulfiram (DMF) significantly reduced the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins in granulosa cells and ER stress-related proteins in oocytes, resulting in improved oocyte maturation rates. These findings suggest that targeting granulosa cell pyroptosis could be a potential therapeutic approach to enhance oocyte maturation in PCOS.