API

This Key Event Relationship is licensed under the Creative Commons BY-SA license. This license allows reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, so long as attribution is given to the creator. The license allows for commercial use. If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms.

Relationship: 2273

Title

A descriptive phrase which clearly defines the two KEs being considered and the sequential relationship between them (i.e., which is upstream, and which is downstream). More help

Altered, Transcription of genes by the AR leads to Reduced granulosa cell proliferation

Upstream event
The causing Key Event (KE) in a Key Event Relationship (KER). More help
Altered, Transcription of genes by the AR
Downstream event
The responding Key Event (KE) in a Key Event Relationship (KER). More help
Reduced granulosa cell proliferation

Key Event Relationship Overview

The utility of AOPs for regulatory application is defined, to a large extent, by the confidence and precision with which they facilitate extrapolation of data measured at low levels of biological organisation to predicted outcomes at higher levels of organisation and the extent to which they can link biological effect measurements to their specific causes.Within the AOP framework, the predictive relationships that facilitate extrapolation are represented by the KERs. Consequently, the overall WoE for an AOP is a reflection in part, of the level of confidence in the underlying series of KERs it encompasses. Therefore, describing the KERs in an AOP involves assembling and organising the types of information and evidence that defines the scientific basis for inferring the probable change in, or state of, a downstream KE from the known or measured state of an upstream KE. More help

AOPs Referencing Relationship

AOP Name Adjacency Weight of Evidence Quantitative Understanding Point of Contact Author Status OECD Status
Androgen receptor (AR) antagonism leading to decreased fertility in females adjacent Moderate Low Terje Svingen (send email) Under development: Not open for comment. Do not cite Under Development

Taxonomic Applicability

Latin or common names of a species or broader taxonomic grouping (e.g., class, order, family) that help to define the biological applicability domain of the KER.In general, this will be dictated by the more restrictive of the two KEs being linked together by the KER.  More help
Term Scientific Term Evidence Link
human Homo sapiens Low NCBI
mouse Mus musculus High NCBI
rat Rattus norvegicus High NCBI
Pig Pig High NCBI
cow Bos taurus Moderate NCBI
Monkey Monkey Moderate NCBI

Sex Applicability

An indication of the the relevant sex for this KER. More help
Sex Evidence
Female High

Life Stage Applicability

An indication of the the relevant life stage(s) for this KER.  More help
Term Evidence
During development and at adulthood High

Key Event Relationship Description

Provides a concise overview of the information given below as well as addressing details that aren’t inherent in the description of the KEs themselves. More help

Decreased transcription of genes that are downstream of AR activation leads to reduced granulosa cell proliferation of the early-stage gonadotropin-independent ovarian follicles. Therefore, the follicle growth to the antral stage is decreased.

Evidence Collection Strategy

Include a description of the approach for identification and assembly of the evidence base for the KER. For evidence identification, include, for example, a description of the sources and dates of information consulted including expert knowledge, databases searched and associated search terms/strings.  Include also a description of study screening criteria and methodology, study quality assessment considerations, the data extraction strategy and links to any repositories/databases of relevant references.Tabular summaries and links to relevant supporting documentation are encouraged, wherever possible. More help

Evidence Supporting this KER

Addresses the scientific evidence supporting KERs in an AOP setting the stage for overall assessment of the AOP. More help
Biological Plausibility
Addresses the biological rationale for a connection between KEupstream and KEdownstream.  This field can also incorporate additional mechanistic details that help inform the relationship between KEs, this is useful when it is not practical/pragmatic to represent these details as separate KEs due to the difficulty or relative infrequency with which it is likely to be measured.   More help

AR is a ligand-activated nuclear transcription factor expressed in the ovaries across mammalian species, including humans(Gervásio et al., 2014). During the gonadotropin independent follicular stage, AR activation is hypothesized to promote follicle growth, whereas in later stages it has been shown to inhibit growth and induce apoptosis(Franks and Hardy, 2018; Harlow et al., 1988). In humans, both mRNA and protein of AR are present in the oocyte, stroma cells, theca cells, but most prominently in granulosa cells of small antral follicles(Gervásio et al., 2014; Jeppesen et al., 2012).

In the mouse ovary, AR mRNA and protein are present in the oocyte, theca, and granulosa cells(Gill et al., 2004; Hirai et al., 1994; Szoltys and Slomczynska, 2000; Tetsuka and Hillier, 1996; Tetsuka et al., 1995). In the cow and sheep ovary, AR mRNA is present in granulosa and theca cells, and most prominently in granulosa of antral and early antral follicles(Hampton et al., 2004; Juengel et al., 2006). In the pig ovary, AR mRNA is mainly expressed in the granulosa cells until the antral stage(Cárdenas and Pope, 2002; Slomczynska et al., 2001). In the monkey ovary, AR mRNA and protein are present in theca, but mainly granulosa cells of antral and early antral follicles(Hillier et al., 1997; Weil et al., 1998).

In human follicles, the expression of the AR transcript is observed after the primordial stage and is most pronounced during the small antral stage(Rice et al., 2007). Throughout early folliculogenesis, AR expression controls transcription of genes involved in promoting growth and differentiation of granulosa cells and formation of antrum(Gervásio et al., 2014). Genes under the control of AR that are involved in these processes include Kit ligand (KITL), Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), and Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)(Astapova et al., 2019; Prizant et al., 2014).

In the monkey ovary, high levels of AR mRNA correlates with high levels of granulosa cell proliferation(Vendola et al., 1998; Weil et al., 1998) Increased AR activation is associated with increased follicle growth and increased granulosa cell proliferation in small antral rat follicles, supporting the important role for AR during this developmental stage(Lim et al., 2017a).

AR may mediate early follicle growth through FSHR, supported by studies correlating mRNA levels of AR and FSHR in granulosa cells of small antral follicles(Nielsen et al., 2011,,Weil et al., 1999). In mice, FSH-mediated in vitro follicle growth is increased by androgens, suggesting that androgens through AR may act synergistically with FSHR, which in turn increases follicle growth to antral follicles(Sen et al., 2014).

It is also hypothesized that FSHR activation through AR leads to increased AMH expression in granulosa cells of primary to small antral follicles(Lin et al., 2021). In turn, elevated levels of AMH lead to inhibition of FSH-induced aromatase activity, resulting in higher androgen levels that inhibit further follicular growth.

AR activation has been associated with Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGFR1) and other key factors of the IGF signaling pathway, which is essential for granulosa growth and differentiation(Baumgarten et al., 2014),(Vendola et al., 1999). In human granulosa cells of primordial and primary follicles, AR and IGF-related factors are highly enriched at the transcriptional level(Steffensen et al., 2018).

AR activation affects the level of connexins, proteins that form gap junctions between granulosa cells and the oocyte and hence regulate intracellular communication; a prerequisite for folliculogenesis(Kamal et al., 2020).

In humans, the importance of AR in follicular growth becomes evident with the beneficial effects of androgens in assisted reproductive technology outcomes(Bosdou et al., 2012; Casson et al., 2000; Fábregues et al., 2009; Kim et al., 2011, 2014; Nagels et al., 2015; Noventa et al., 2019; Petya Andreeva, Ivelina Oprova, Luboslava Valkova, Petya Chaveeva, Ivanka Dimova, 2020). Although the mechanism remains elusive, it has been suggested that androgen priming of women seeking fertility treatment promotes follicle growth resulting in an increase in the FSH-sensitive follicle pool(Hu et al., 2017). Gene expression studies in human small antral follicles reveal significant association of AR and FSHR levels, suggesting that the increase in follicle growth could be mediated through regulating AR transcription in granulosa cells(Hu et al., 2017; Nielsen et al., 2011). Epidemiological studies have shown that upon androgen pretreatment, increase in the number of antral follicles and mean follicular diameter were observed(Balasch et al., 2006; Kim et al., 2011). This increase supports the hypothesis that androgen receptor signaling is important for early follicle growth. Studies observing no effects upon androgen pre-treatment claim that dose and duration of the selected androgen might lead to contradicting results(Yeung et al., 2014).

Hypoandrogenism provides further evidence for an important role for androgen actions in human follicle development. Lower levels of DHEA or testosterone have been associated with women that have diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian aging(Gleicher et al., 2013). In the case of untreated primary adrenal insufficiency, the androgen deficient patient exhibit significantly reduced fertility(Erichsen et al., 2010).

Conclusions on the androgen significance can also be drawn from clinical evidence where women are exposed to an androgen excess.  Hyperandrogenism in the case of congenital adrenal hyperplasia and exogenous androgen treatments in trans males lead to polycystic ovaries(Walters and Handelsman, 2018). This indicated that the androgens stimulate early follicle growth and inhibit further maturation(Walters and Handelsman, 2018). In polycystic ovarian syndrome, a syndrome characterized by accumulation of small antral follicles in the ovarian cortex, a plausible cause for this morphology is hyperandrogenaemia(Balen et al., 2003; Lebbe and Woodruff, 2013).

Uncertainties and Inconsistencies
Addresses inconsistencies or uncertainties in the relationship including the identification of experimental details that may explain apparent deviations from the expected patterns of concordance. More help

Genomic and non-genomic effects are not distinguished in the studies included in the KER analysis. Hence, it cannot be concluded that all observations are solely due to directly perturbed transcription. However, since AR transcribes genes necessary for early folliculogenesis (KITLG, BMP15, HGF), it is reasonable to assume that genomic mechanisms are involved.

Other uncertainties to consider: different anti-androgenic compounds have different effects on the AR (e.g. different IC50, Cmax); compounds that are anti-androgenic may also affect other mechanisms/modalities; downstream effects of perturbed AR transcriptional function might depend on the duration of exposure as well as the developmental stage of the follicles. In humans, effects can be inconclusive since a part of the population can have androgen-related conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)(Gleicher et al., 2011).

Known modulating factors

This table captures specific information on the MF, its properties, how it affects the KER and respective references.1.) What is the modulating factor? Name the factor for which solid evidence exists that it influences this KER. Examples: age, sex, genotype, diet 2.) Details of this modulating factor. Specify which features of this MF are relevant for this KER. Examples: a specific age range or a specific biological age (defined by...); a specific gene mutation or variant, a specific nutrient (deficit or surplus); a sex-specific homone; a certain threshold value (e.g. serum levels of a chemical above...) 3.) Description of how this modulating factor affects this KER. Describe the provable modification of the KER (also quantitatively, if known). Examples: increase or decrease of the magnitude of effect (by a factor of...); change of the time-course of the effect (onset delay by...); alteration of the probability of the effect; increase or decrease of the sensitivity of the downstream effect (by a factor of...) 4.) Provision of supporting scientific evidence for an effect of this MF on this KER. Give a list of references.  More help

The E3 ubiquitin ligase protein Ring Finger Protein 6 (RNF6) regulates AR levels in granulosa cells through polyubiquitination and AR transcriptional activity for KITLG expression in small antral follicles(Lim et al., 2017b, 2017a).

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) may mediate the androgen-induced granulosa cell proliferation(Franks and Hardy, 2018).

Sixteen different mutations of the AR gene (Xq11.2-q12) that cause androgen insensitivity syndrome have been identified(Jiang et al., 2020).

The number of CAG repeats on the N-terminal domain of the AR has been associated with effects on fertility and ovarian reserve(Hickey et al., 2002; Lledo et al., 2014).

Response-response Relationship
Provides sources of data that define the response-response relationships between the KEs.  More help

The nature of the response-response relationship between decreased AR activation and reduced granulosa cell proliferation in the early stage of follicular development is not clear. Some of the aforementioned studies claim the effects were dose-dependent; however, the limited number of concentrations tested prevents a solid conclusion(Murray et al., 1998; Wang et al., 2001; Yang and Fortune, 2006). Therefore, at present, the quantitative understanding of this KER is rated ‘low’.

Time-scale
Information regarding the approximate time-scale of the changes in KEdownstream relative to changes in KEupstream (i.e., do effects on KEdownstream lag those on KEupstream by seconds, minutes, hours, or days?). More help

Studies included in establishing this KER exhibit observed changes in vitro at 24h in pig granulosa cells, and in vivo studies after 48h in rats(Hickey et al., 2004, 2005; Kumari et al., 1978). The conclusion that can presently be drawn is that the approximate timescale of the changes in KEdownstream relative to changes in KEupstream is less than 48h. However, the species differences between the time scales of folliculogenesis need to be taken into consideration in order for human extrapolations to be made.

Known Feedforward/Feedback loops influencing this KER
Define whether there are known positive or negative feedback mechanisms involved and what is understood about their time-course and homeostatic limits. More help

Activated AR can transcriptionally regulate its own expression through a negative feedback loop(Gelmann, 2002). However, in granulosa cells of monkey ovaries, AR was shown to have the opposite effect, thus creating an autocrine positive feedback(Weil et al., 1998). More studies are needed to understand when AR regulation of its own expression is positive or negative.

During the early stages of folliculogenesis, mainly from the secondary to the small antral stage, activated AR can induce FSH activities in granulosa cells and promote granulosa cell differentiation and follicle maturation, even though follicles are still not gonadotropin-dependent(Gleicher et al., 2011). These activities include changes in androgen metabolism due to altered expression of steroidogenic enzymes. Therefore, it has been suggested that androgens can bind to the AR to establish a loop between activated AR and FSH action(Gleicher et al., 2011; Lenie and Smitz, 2009).

A positive feedback loop connecting activated AR and AMH through FSHR is also hypothesized. Activated AR could lead to increased expression of AMH through FSHR activation, resulting in inhibition of FSH-induced aromatase, ultimately increasing levels of androgens and AR activation(Dewailly et al., 2016). Typically, elevated levels of androgens, for instance in transgender males and PCOS patients, correlate with increased levels of AMH, however, contradictory results exist connecting elevated androgen or FSH levels to reduced AMH(Caanen et al., 2015; Li et al., 2011).

There is also evidence of an intra-follicular feedback loop that regulates steroidogenesis during the secondary follicle stage, causing downregulation of androgen synthesis upon exogenous androgen exposure and upregulation upon androgen receptor antagonism(Lebbe et al., 2017).

As mentioned, genes involved in early folliculogenesis like KITLG and HGF are under the control of AR. Those two genes have been shown to create a positive feedback loop in mice, by increasing the expression levels of each other(Guglielmo et al., 2011).

Domain of Applicability

A free-text section of the KER description that the developers can use to explain their rationale for the taxonomic, life stage, or sex applicability structured terms. More help

References

List of the literature that was cited for this KER description. More help

Astapova, O., Minor, B.M.N., and Hammes, S.R. (2019). Physiological and Pathological Androgen Actions in the Ovary. Endocrinology 160, 1166–1174. https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2019-00101.

Balasch, J., Fábregues, F., Peñarrubia, J., Carmona, F., Casamitjana, R., Creus, M., Manau, D., Casals, G., and Vanrell, J.A. (2006). Pretreatment with transdermal testosterone may improve ovarian response to gonadotrophins in poor-responder IVF patients with normal basal concentrations of FSH. Human Reproduction 21, 1884–1893. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/del052.

Balen, A.H., Laven, J.S.E., Tan, S.L., and Dewailly, D. (2003). Ultrasound assessment of the polycystic ovary: International consensus definitions. Human Reproduction Update 9, 505–514. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmg044.

Baumgarten, S.C., Convissar, S.M., Fierro, M.A., Winston, N.J., Scoccia, B., and Stocco, C. (2014). IGF1R signaling is necessary for FSH-induced activation of AKT and differentiation of human cumulus granulosa cells. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 99, 2995–3004. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2014-1139.

Bosdou, J.K., Venetis, C.A., Kolibianakis, E.M., Toulis, K.A., Goulis, D.G., Zepiridis, L., and Tarlatzis, B.C. (2012). The use of androgens or androgen-modulating agents in poor responders undergoing in vitro fertilization: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Human Reproduction Update 18, 127–145. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmr051.

Caanen, M.R., Soleman, R.S., Kuijper, E.A.M., Kreukels, B.P.C., De Roo, C., Tilleman, K., De Sutter, P., Van Trotsenburg, M.A.A., Broekmans, F.J., and Lambalk, C.B. (2015). Antimüllerian hormone levels decrease in female-to-male transsexuals using testosterone as cross-sex therapy. Fertility and Sterility 103, 1340–1345. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FERTNSTERT.2015.02.003.

Cárdenas, H., and Pope, W.F. (2002). Androgen receptor and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor in the pig ovary during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle*. Molecular Reproduction and Development 62, 92–98. https://doi.org/10.1002/mrd.10060.

Casson, P.R., Lindsay, M.S., Pisarska, M.D., Carson, S.A., and Buster, J.E. (2000). Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation augments ovarian stimulation in poor responders: A case series. Human Reproduction 15, 2129–2132. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/15.10.2129.

Dewailly, D., Robin, G., Peigne, M., Decanter, C., Pigny, P., and Catteau-Jonard, S. (2016). Interactions between androgens, FSH, anti-Müllerian hormone and estradiol during folliculogenesis in the human normal and polycystic ovary. Human Reproduction Update 22, 709–724. https://doi.org/10.1093/HUMUPD/DMW027.

Erichsen, M.M., Husebye, E.S., Michelsen, T.M., Dahl, Alv.A., and Løvås, K. (2010). Sexuality and Fertility in Women with Addison’s Disease. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 95, 4354–4360. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-0445.

Fábregues, F., Peñarrubia, J., Creus, M., Manau, D., Casals, G., Carmona, F., and Balasch, J. (2009). Transdermal testosterone may improve ovarian response to gonadotrophins in low-responder IVF patients: A randomized, clinical trial. Human Reproduction 24, 349–359. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/den428.

Franks, S., and Hardy, K. (2018). Androgen action in the ovary. Frontiers in Endocrinology 9, 452. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2018.00452.

Gelmann, E.P. (2002). Molecular biology of the androgen receptor. Journal of Clinical Oncology 20, 3001–3015. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2002.10.018.

Gervásio, C.G., Bernuci, M.P., Silva-de-Sá, M.F., and Rosa-e-Silva, A.C.J. de S. (2014). The Role of Androgen Hormones in Early Follicular Development. ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology 2014, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/818010.

Gill, A., Jamnongjit, M., and Hammes, S.R. (2004). Androgens promote maturation and signaling in mouse oocytes independent of transcription: a release of inhibition model for mammalian oocyte meiosis. Molecular Endocrinology 18, 97–104. .

Gleicher, N., Weghofer, A., and Barad, D.H. (2011). The role of androgens in follicle maturation and ovulation induction: friend or foe of infertility treatment? Reproductive Biology & Endocrinology 9, 116. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-9-116.

Gleicher, N., Kim, A., Weghofer, A., Kushnir, V.A., Shohat-Tal, A., Lazzaroni, E., Lee, H.J., and Barad, D.H. (2013). Hypoandrogenism in association with diminished functional ovarian reserve. Human Reproduction 28, 1084–1091. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/det033.

González-Sanz, S., Barreñada, O., Rial, E., Brieño-Enriquez, M.A., and del Mazo, J. (2020). The antiandrogenic vinclozolin induces differentiation delay of germ cells and changes in energy metabolism in 3D cultures of fetal ovaries. Scientific Reports 10, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75116-3.

Guglielmo, M.C., Ricci, G., Catizone, A., Barberi, M., Galdieri, M., Stefanini, M., and Canipari, R. (2011). The effect of hepatocyte growth factor on the initial stages of mouse follicle development. Journal of Cellular Physiology 226, 520–529. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.22361.

Hampton, J.H., Manikkam, M., Lubahn, D.B., Smith, M.F., and Garverick, H.A. (2004). Androgen receptor mRNA expression in the bovine ovary. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 27, 81–88. .

Harlow, C.R., Shaw, H.J., Hillier, S.G., and Hodges, J.K. (1988). Factors Influencing Follicle-Stimulating Hormone-Responsive Steroidogenesis in Marmoset Granulosa Cells: Effects of Androgens and the Stage of Follicular Maturity. Endocrinology 122, 2780–2787. https://doi.org/10.1210/ENDO-122-6-2780.

Hickey, T., Chandy, A., and Norman, R.J. (2002). The androgen receptor CAG repeat polymorphism and X-chromosome inactivation in Australian Caucasian women with infertility related to polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 87, 161–165. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.87.1.8137.

Hickey, T.E., Marrocco, D.L., Gilchrist, R.B., Norman, R.J., and Armstrong, D.T. (2004). Interactions between androgen and growth factors in granulosa cell subtypes of porcine antral follicles. Biology of Reproduction 71, 45–52. .

Hickey, T.E., Marrocco, D.L., Amato, F., Ritter, L.J., Norman, R.J., Gilchrist, R.B., and Armstrong, D.T. (2005). Androgens augment the mitogenic effects of oocyte-secreted factors and growth differentiation factor 9 on porcine granulosa cells. Biology of Reproduction 73, 825–832. .

Hillier, S.G., Tetsuka, M., and Fraser, H.M. (1997). Location and developmental regulation of androgen receptor in primate ovary. Human Reproduction 12, 107–111. .

Hirai, M., Hirata, S., Osada, T., Hagihara, K., and Kato, J. (1994). Androgen receptor mRNA in the rat ovary and uterus. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 49, 1–7. .

Hu, Q., Hong, L., Nie, M., Wang, Q., Fang, Y., Dai, Y., Zhai, Y., Wang, S., Yin, C., and Yang, X. (2017). The effect of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on ovarian response is associated with androgen receptor in diminished ovarian reserve women. Journal of Ovarian Research 10, 32. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13048-017-0326-3.

Jeppesen, J. V, Kristensen, S.G., Nielsen, M.E., Humaidan, P., Dal Canto, M., Fadini, R., Schmidt, K.T., Ernst, E., and Yding Andersen, C. (2012). LH-receptor gene expression in human granulosa and cumulus cells from antral and preovulatory follicles. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 97, E1524-31. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1210/jc.2012-1427.

Jiang, X., Teng, Y., Chen, X., Liang, N., Li, Z., Liang, D., and Wu, L. (2020). Six novel Mutation analysis of the androgen receptor gene in 17 Chinese patients with androgen insensitivity syndrome. Clinica Chimica Acta 506, 180–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cca.2020.03.036.

Juengel, J.L., Heath, D.A., Quirke, L.D., and McNatty, K.P. (2006). Oestrogen receptor alpha and beta, androgen receptor and progesterone receptor mRNA and protein localisation within the developing ovary and in small growing follicles of sheep. Reproduction 131, 81–92. .

Kamal, D.A.M., Ibrahim, S.F., and Mokhtar, M.H. (2020). Androgen effect on connexin expression in the mammalian female reproductive system: A systematic review. Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences 20, 293–302. https://doi.org/10.17305/bjbms.2019.4501.

Kim, C.H., Howles, C.M., and Lee, H.A. (2011). The effect of transdermal testosterone gel pretreatment on controlled ovarian stimulation and IVF outcome in low responders. Fertility and Sterility 95, 679–683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.07.1077.

Kim, C.-H., Ahn, J.-W., Moon, J.-W., Kim, S.-H., Chae, H.-D., and Kang, B.-M. (2014). Ovarian Features after 2 Weeks, 3 Weeks and 4 Weeks Transdermal Testosterone Gel Treatment and Their Associated Effect on IVF Outcomes in Poor Responders. Development & Reproduciton 18, 145–152. https://doi.org/10.12717/dr.2014.18.3.145.

Knapczyk-Stwora, K., Grzesiak, M., Duda, M., Koziorowski, M., and Slomczynska, M. (2013). Effect of flutamide on folliculogenesis in the fetal porcine ovary--regulation by Kit ligand/c-Kit and IGF1/IGF1R systems. Animal Reproduction Science 142, 160–167. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.09.014.

Knapczyk-Stwora, K., Grzesiak, M., Ciereszko, R.E., Czaja, E., Koziorowski, M., and Slomczynska, M. (2018). The impact of sex steroid agonists and antagonists on folliculogenesis in the neonatal porcine ovary via cell proliferation and apoptosis. Theriogenology 113, 19–26. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.02.008.

Knapczyk-Stwora, K., Nynca, A., Ciereszko, R.E., Paukszto, L., Jastrzebski, J.P., Czaja, E., Witek, P., Koziorowski, M., and Slomczynska, M. (2019). Flutamide-induced alterations in transcriptional profiling of neonatal porcine ovaries. Journal of Animal Science & Biotechnology 10, 35. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40104-019-0340-y.

Kumari, G.L., Datta, J.K., Das, R.P., and Roy, S. (1978). Evidence for a role of androgens in the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in rats. Hormone Research in Paediatrics 9, 112–120. https://doi.org/10.1159/000178903.

Laird, M., Thomson, K., Fenwick, M., Mora, J., Franks, S., and Hardy, K. (2017). Androgen Stimulates Growth of Mouse Preantral Follicles In Vitro: Interaction With Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and With Growth Factors of the TGFbeta Superfamily. Endocrinology 158, 920–935. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1210/en.2016-1538.

Lebbe, M., and Woodruff, T.K. (2013). Involvement of androgens in ovarian health and disease. Molecular Human Reproduction 19, 828–837. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/molehr/gat065.

Lebbe, M., Taylor, A.E., Visser, J.A., Kirkman-Brown, J.C., Woodruff, T.K., and Arlt, W. (2017). The Steroid Metabolome in the Isolated Ovarian Follicle and Its Response to Androgen Exposure and Antagonism. Endocrinology 158, 1474–1485. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1210/en.2016-1851.

Lenie, S., and Smitz, J. (2009). Functional AR Signaling Is Evident in an In Vitro Mouse Follicle Culture Bioassay That Encompasses Most Stages of Folliculogenesis1. Biology of Reproduction 80, 685–695. https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod.107.067280.

Li, Y., Wei, L.N., and Liang, X.Y. (2011). Follicle-stimulating hormone suppressed excessive production of antimullerian hormone caused by abnormally enhanced promoter activity in polycystic ovary syndrome granulosa cells. Fertility and Sterility 95. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FERTNSTERT.2011.03.047.

Lim, J.J., Han, C.Y., Lee, D.R., and Tsang, B.K. (2017a). Ring Finger Protein 6 Mediates Androgen-Induced Granulosa Cell Proliferation and Follicle Growth via Modulation of Androgen Receptor Signaling. Endocrinology 158, 993–1004. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1210/en.2016-1866.

Lim, J.J., Lima, P.D.A., Salehi, R., Lee, D.R., and Tsang, B.K. (2017b). Regulation of androgen receptor signaling by ubiquitination during folliculogenesis and its possible dysregulation in polycystic ovarian syndrome. Scientific Reports 7, 10272. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-09880-0.

Lin, L. Te, Li, C.J., and Tsui, K.H. (2021). Serum testosterone levels are positively associated with serum anti-mullerian hormone levels in infertile women. Scientific Reports 2021 11:1 11, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-85915-x.

Lledo, B., Llacer, J., Turienzo, A., Ortiz, J.A., Guerrero, J., Morales, R., Ten, J., and Bernabeu, R. (2014). Androgen receptor CAG repeat length is associated with ovarian reserve but not with ovarian response. Reproductive Biomedicine Online 29, 509–515. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.06.012.

Magamage, M.P.S., Zengyo, M., Moniruzzaman, M., and Miyano, T. (2011). Testosterone induces activation of porcine primordial follicles in vitro. Reproductive Medicine & Biology 10, 21–30. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12522-010-0068-z.

Murray, A.A., Gosden, R.G., Allison, V., and Spears, N. (1998). Effect of androgens on the development of mouse follicles growing in vitro. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 113, 27–33. https://doi.org/10.1530/jrf.0.1130027.

Nagels, H.E., Rishworth, J.R., Siristatidis, C.S., and Kroon, B. (2015). Androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone or testosterone) for women undergoing assisted reproduction. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009749.PUB2.

Nielsen, M.E., Rasmussen, I.A., Kristensen, S.G., Christensen, S.T., Mollgard, K., Wreford Andersen, E., Byskov, A.G., and Yding Andersen, C. (2011). In human granulosa cells from small antral follicles, androgen receptor mRNA and androgen levels in follicular fluid correlate with FSH receptor mRNA. Molecular Human Reproduction 17, 63–70. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/molehr/gaq073.

Noventa, M., Vitagliano, A., Andrisani, A., Blaganje, M., Viganò, P., Papaelo, E., Scioscia, M., Cavallin, F., Ambrosini, G., and Cozzolino, M. (2019). Testosterone therapy for women with poor ovarian response undergoing IVF: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 36, 673–683. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-018-1383-2.

Orisaka, M., Jiang, J.Y., Orisaka, S., Kotsuji, F., and Tsang, B.K. (2009). Growth differentiation factor 9 promotes rat preantral follicle growth by up-regulating follicular androgen biosynthesis. Endocrinology 150, 2740–2748. https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2008-1536.

Petya Andreeva, Ivelina Oprova, Luboslava Valkova, Petya Chaveeva, Ivanka Dimova, A.S. (2020). The Benefits of Testosterone Therapy in Poor Ovarian Responders Undergoing In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). European Medical Journal https://doi.org/10.33590/emj/20-00095.

Prizant, H., Gleicher, N., and Sen, A. (2014). Androgen actions in the ovary: Balance is key. Journal of Endocrinology 222, 141–151. https://doi.org/10.1530/JOE-14-0296.

Rice, S., Ojha, K., Whitehead, S., and Mason, H. (2007). Stage-specific expression of androgen receptor, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, and anti-Müllerian hormone type II receptor in single, isolated, human preantral follicles: Relevance to polycystic ovaries. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 92, 1034–1040. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2006-1697.

Sen, A., and Hammes, S.R. (2010). Granulosa cell-specific androgen receptors are critical regulators of ovarian development and function. Molecular Endocrinology 24, 1393–1403. https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2010-0006.

Sen, A., Prizant, H., Light, A., Biswas, A., Hayes, E., Lee, H.J., Barad, D., Gleicher, N., and Hammes, S.R. (2014). Androgens regulate ovarian follicular development by increasing follicle stimulating hormone receptor and microRNA-125b expression. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 111, 3008–3013. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1318978111.

Slomczynska, M., Duda, M., and Sl zak, K. (2001). The expression of androgen receptor, cytochrome P450 aromatase and FSH receptor mRNA in the porcine ovary. Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 39, 9–13. .

Steffensen, L.L., Ernst, E.H., Amoushahi, M., Ernst, E., and Lykke-Hartmann, K. (2018). Transcripts Encoding the Androgen Receptor and IGF-Related Molecules Are Differently Expressed in Human Granulosa Cells From Primordial and Primary Follicles. Frontiers in Cell & Developmental Biology 6, 85. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2018.00085.

Szoltys, M., and Slomczynska, M. (2000). Changes in distribution of androgen receptor during maturation of rat ovarian follicles. Experimental & Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes 108, 228–234. .

Tetsuka, M., and Hillier, S.G. (1996). Androgen receptor gene expression in rat granulosa cells: the role of follicle-stimulating hormone and steroid hormones. Endocrinology 137, 4392–4397. .

Tetsuka, M., Whitelaw, P.F., Bremner, W.J., Millar, M.R., Smyth, C.D., and Hillier, S.G. (1995). Developmental regulation of androgen receptor in rat ovary. Journal of Endocrinology 145, 535–543. .

Vendola, K., Zhou, J., Wang, J., Famuyiwa, O.A., Bievre, M., and Bondy, C.A. (1999). Androgens promote oocyte insulin-like growth factor I expression and initiation of follicle development in the primate ovary. Biology of Reproduction 61, 353–357. .

Vendola, K.A., Zhou, J., Adesanya, O.O., Weil, S.J., and Bondy, C.A. (1998). Androgens stimulate early stages of follicular growth in the primate ovary. Journal of Clinical Investigation 101, 2622–2629. .

Walters, K.A., and Handelsman, D.J. (2018). Role of androgens in the ovary. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology 465, 36–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2017.06.026.

Walters, K.A., Middleton, L.J., Joseph, S.R., Hazra, R., Jimenez, M., Simanainen, U., Allan, C.M., and Handelsman, D.J. (2012). Targeted loss of androgen receptor signaling in murine granulosa cells of preantral and antral follicles causes female subfertility. Biology of Reproduction 87. https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod.112.102012.

Wang, H., Andoh, K., Hagiwara, H., Xiaowei, L., Kikuchi, N., Abe, Y., Yamada, K., Fatima, R., and Mizunuma, H. (2001). Effect of adrenal and ovarian androgens on type 4 follicles unresponsive to FSH in immature mice. Endocrinology 142, 4930–4936. .

Weil, S., Vendola, K., Zhou, J., and Bondy, C.A. (1999). Androgen and follicle-stimulating hormone interactions in primate ovarian follicle development. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 84, 2951–2956. .

Weil, S.J., Vendola, K., Zhou, J., Adesanya, O.O., Wang, J., Okafor, J., and Bondy, C.A. (1998). Androgen receptor gene expression in the primate ovary: cellular localization, regulation, and functional correlations. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 83, 2479–2485. .

Xue, K., Liu, J.Y., Murphy, B.D., and Tsang, B.K. (2012). Orphan nuclear receptor NR4A1 is a negative regulator of DHT-induced rat preantral follicular growth. Molecular Endocrinology 26, 2004–2015. https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2012-1200.

Xue, K., Kim, J.Y., Liu, J.Y., and Tsang, B.K. (2014). Insulin-like 3-induced rat preantral follicular growth is mediated by growth differentiation factor 9. Endocrinology 155, 156–167. https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2013-1491.

Yang, M.Y., and Fortune, J.E. (2006). Testosterone stimulates the primary to secondary follicle transition in bovine follicles in vitro. Biology of Reproduction 75, 924–932. https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod.106.051813.

Yeung, T.W.Y., Chai, J., Li, R.H.W., Lee, V.C.Y., Ho, P.C., and Ng, E.H.Y. (2014). A randomized, controlled, pilot trial on the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on ovarian response markers, ovarian response, and in vitro fertilization outcomes in poor responders. Fertility and Sterility 102, 108-115.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.03.044.