Background and Aim: Vitamin D, as a biological regulator, plays a key role in inflammation, metabolism, and ovarian function, and is implicated in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women and is associated with altered expression of exosome-derived microRNAs. Among these, miR-93 has been identified as a critical regulator in molecular pathways related to PCOS. This study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D on the expression of miR-93 in serum exosomes of PCOS-induced rats and compare the findings with previously reported data on miR-21.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 24 female rats were divided into four groups: negative control, positive control, PCOS model, and PCOS treated with vitamin D. The PCOS phenotype was induced by subcutaneous testosterone injections for 35 days, and vitamin D treatment was administered via weekly intraperitoneal injections for five weeks. Serum samples were collected, followed by exosome isolation, RNA extraction, and miR-93 expression analysis using RT-qPCR. Data were analyzed using the ΔΔCt method and compared with miR-21 results from a similar study.
Results: Expression levels of miR-93 and miR-21 were significantly reduced in the PCOS and positive control groups compared to the negative control (P < 0.001). Vitamin D treatment led to a significant increase in miR-21 expression (P < 0.0001) and a further decrease in miR-93 expression (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential role of vitamin D as a bio-regulatory agent in modulating cellular mechanisms associated with PCOS and its differential effects on specific microRNAs.