The Progression of PMOS: Insights from Single-cell Sequencing

Methods

Rat models of PMOS were established using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The success of the PMOS models was confirmed through cytological examination of vaginal smears, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Single-cell RNA sequencing was employed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying PMOS development.

Results: Vaginal smear analysis confirmed disruption of the estrous cycle in the PMOS model group. Compared with the control group, the model group presented significantly elevated levels of fasting insulin (FINS), testosterone (T), and luteinizing hormone (LH), whereas the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was significantly lower, leading to a markedly elevated LH/FSH ratio. Additionally, the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), glucose (GLU), and triglycerides (TG) were significantly increased.

HE staining revealed pronounced morphological alterations and heightened inflammatory infiltration in the ovarian tissue of the model group. Single cell sequencing revealed significant changes in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs), macrophages, smooth muscle cells, steroidogenic cells, theca cells, stromal cells, and endothelial cells during PMOS progression. Conclusions: The ovarian tissue microenvironment is complex.The PMOS progression involves multiple biological processes of various cells.