Mercury leads to features of polycystic ovary syndrome in rats

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal and Hg exposure is associated with various neural, immune, and cardiovascular abnormalities. However, few studies have evaluated Hg’s toxicologic effect on reproductive and metabolic functions. In this study, we assessed whether Hg exposure results in reproductive and metabolic abnormalities. Hg was administered to adult female Wistar rats, mimicking the Hg levels found in exposed human blood, and their reproductive and metabolic function was assessed. Rats exposed to Hg displayed abnormal estrous cyclicity and ovarian follicular development, with a reduction in ovarian antral follicles and an increase in atretic and cystic ovarian follicles. Uterine atrophy with the presence of inflammatory cells was observed in Hg-exposed rats. The presence of abnormal ovarian fat accumulation, as well as increased ovarian lipid drops accumulation, was observed in Hg-exposed rats. Ovarian oxidative stress was also present in the Hg-exposed rats. High fasting glucose levels, glucose, and insulin intolerance were observed in Hg-exposed rats. Thus, these data suggest that Hg exposure led to abnormal reproductive and metabolic features similar to those found in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat models.