[Effects of Electroacupuncture on mRNA Expressions of Insulin-receptor Substrates 1 and 2 in the Endometrium of PCOS Rats and Insulin Sensitivity].

Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on gene expressions of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) in the endometrium and insulin sensitivity (IS) of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rats, thereby providing basic evidence of clinical ap- plication of EA for improving the pregnancy rate of PCOS patients and reducing the abortion rate. Methods Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was subcutaneously injected to 24-day-old female SD rats to induce P- COS model. Besides, rats were fed with high-fat diet. Rats in the normal group were subcutaneously injected with sesame oil and fed with common forage. PCOS model rats were randomly divided into the model group and the EA group. All rats were intervened from 80 days old. Of them, EA was started to rats in the EA group, three times per week for 5 successive weeks. Rats in the normal group and the model group were only bound every day, but with no acupuncture, three times per week for 5 successive weeks. Blood was collected from caudal vein before and after treatment. Fasting blood glucose (FPG) was detected by oxidase method. Fasting insulin (FINS) level was determined by Roche electrochemical luminescence method. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance ( HOMA-IR) index was also calculated. All rats were killed by decapitation by the end of intervention, and their endometria were collected. mRNA expressions of IRS1 and IRS2 in the endometrial tissue were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method. Results Pre-post-treatment changes of FPG level were not significantly different among the three groups (P >0. 05). Before treatment FINS level and HOMA-IR index were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal group (P <0. 05). After treatment, they were significantly lower in the EA group than in the model group (P <0. 05). Compared with the normal group, mRNA expressions of IRS1 and IRS2 in the endometrial tissue were decreased in the model group (P <0. 05). Compared with the model group, mRNA expressions of IRS1 and IRS2 in the endometrial tissue were increased in the EA group (P < 0. 05). Conclusion EA could improve IS and elevate mRNA expressions of IRS1 and IRS2 in the endome- trial tissue of PCOS rats, which might be one of mechanisms for improving endometrial IS.