Abstract: Objective To study the effect of IL-6 on the expression of androgen receptor (AR) in porcine ovarian granulosa cells(GC) and to explore the role of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the polycystic ovary syndrome pathogenesis. Methods Different concentrations of IL-6（10、100 and 1000ng/L） were treated with GC. Expression of androgen receptor (AR) mRNA and protein in GC were detected by Real-time Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Results The mRNA and protein expressions of AR in GC were upregulated in groups with 100 and 1000ng/L IL-6 at 72h. Conclusion IL-6 can improve androgen activity. This process may explain the function of chronic subclinical inflammation in PCOS pathogenesis.

Key words: interleukin 6, PCOS, testosterone, androgen receptor