PTEN regulation by miR-486-5p contributes to the amelioration of polycystic ovary syndrome

This research intended to identify the genes related to PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and verify the regulatory function of miR-486-5p as well as its target PTEN in granulosa cells (GCs). RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-486-5p in the serum, follicular fluid (FF), and GCs of PCOS patients and normal subjects. ROC curve analysis indicated strong diagnostic performance. Bioinformatic analysis via miRDB and ENCORI databases predicted PTEN as a potential target of miR-486-5p; this prediction was validated through dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. Meanwhile, a series of functional assays were performed. Cellular proliferation capacity was quantitatively assessed using the CCK8 assay, while flow cytometry was used to determine cell apoptosis ratio. The secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators was quantitatively measured employing an ELISA kit. miR-486-5p was found to be reduced in serum from patients, as well as in patient FF and GCs. The enhanced expression of miR-486-5p strengthened the proliferation of GCs and suppressed apoptotic activity, while concurrently attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Conversely, miR-486-5p inhibitor yielded opposing effects. Further investigation revealed that PTEN functioned as a negative regulatory factor of miR-486-5p. The increase of miR-486-5p caused a significant down-regulation of PTEN mRNA expression. Forced expression of PTEN reversed the cellular effects induced by miR-486-5p, including the enhanced proliferation rate, suppressed apoptosis, and attenuated inflammatory response. miR-486-5p can inhibit cell apoptosis and secretion of inflammatory factors by negatively regulating the expression of target gene PTEN, suggesting that miR-486-5p may be a potential target for PCOS.