Lysyl oxidase interacts with AGE signalling to modulate collagen synthesis in polycystic ovarian tissue

Abstract Connective tissue components – collagen types I, III and IV – surrounding the ovarian follicles undergo drastic changes during ovulation. Abnormal collagen synthesis and increased volume and density of ovarian stroma characterize the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). During the ovulatory process, collagen synthesis is regulated by prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl oxidase (LOX) activity in ovarian follicles. LOX catalyzes collagen and elastin cross‐linking and plays essential role in coordinating the control of ovarian extracellular matrix (ECM) during follicular development. We have recently shown accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), molecules that stimulate ECM production and abnormal collagen cross‐linking, in ovarian tissue. However, the possible link between LOX and AGEs‐induced signalling in collagen production and stroma formation in ovarian tissue from PCOS remains elusive. The present study investigates the hypothesis of AGE signalling pathway interaction with LOX gene activity in polycystic ovarian (PCO) tissue. We show an increased distribution and co‐localization of LOX, collagen type IV and AGE molecules in the PCO tissue compared to control, as well as augmented expression of AGE signalling mediators/effectors, phospho(p)‐ERK, phospho(p)‐c‐Jun and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) in pathological tissue. Moreover, we demonstrate binding of AGE‐induced transcription factors, NF‐κB and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) on LOX promoter, indicating a possible involvement of AGEs in LOX gene regulation, which may account for the documented increase in LOX mRNA and protein levels compared to control. These findings suggest that deposition of excess collagen in PCO tissue that induces cystogenesis may, in part, be due to AGE‐mediated stimulation of LOX activity.