TXNIP participates in the pathogenesis of PCOS by regulating glycolysis in granulosa cells.

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and is frequently associated with impaired glucose metabolism. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) plays a critical role in cellular metabolic regulation; however, its involvement in PCOS pathogenesis remains unclear. Bioinformatics analysis revealed significantly increased TXNIP expression in both PCOS patients and mouse ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). In vivo experiments using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS mouse models showed that TXNIP knockdown restored the expression of glycolysis-related enzymes, including HK2, PFKM, and PKM2. This restoration enhanced glycolytic function by suppressing IRS-1 phosphorylation and activating the PI3K signaling pathway. In vitro, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment elevated TXNIP expression and suppressed glycolytic activity in KGN cells. Silencing TXNIP restored glycolytic metabolites such as pyruvate and lactate and promoted glycolytic flux, while TXNIP overexpression further impaired these functions. Additionally, treatment with the IRS-1 inhibitor NT157 confirmed that TXNIP regulates glycolysis in GCs through the IRS-1/PI3K signaling axis. This study is the first to demonstrate that TXNIP contributes to glycolytic dysfunction in PCOS GCs via the IRS-1/PI3K pathway, highlighting a potential target for PCOS diagnosis and therapy.