Metformin abrogates pathological TNF-α-producing B cells through mTOR-dependent metabolic reprogramming in polycystic ovary syndrome.

ABSTRACT: B cells contribute to the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Clinically, metformin is used to treat PCOS, but it is unclear whether metformin exerts its therapeutic effect by regulating B cells. Here, we showed that the expression level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in peripheral blood B cells from PCOS patients was increased. Metformin used in vitro and in vivo was able to reduce the production of TNF-α in B cells from PCOS patients. Administration of metformin improved mouse PCOS phenotypes induced by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and also inhibited TNF-α expression in splenic B cells. Furthermore, metformin induced metabolic reprogramming of B cells in PCOS patients, including the alteration in mitochondrial morphology, the decrease in mitochondrial membrane pote

SUBMITTER: Xiao N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9270024 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature