Silencing circ_0058063 enhances proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in PCOS ovarian granulosa cells

Abstract Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disease in reproductive-aged women. This study was designed to explore the role of circ_0058063 in PCOS.Methods We recruited nine PCOS patients and nine no-PCOS patients. The concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) were measured by radioimmunoassay. The level of aromatase was detected using an ELISA kit. The proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells were assessed using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Gene and protein expression were evaluated through RT-qPCR and Western blotting assay.Results The circ_0058063 level in ovarian granulosa cells and follicular fluid is significantly higher in the PCOS group than the no-PCOS group. Besides, silencing circ_0058063 increases the levels of Aromatase mRNA, P4 and E2 in PCOS ovarian granulosa cells. Additionally, silencing circ_0058063 can promote the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells in patients with PCOS. Furthermore, silencing circ_0058063 can suppress apoptosis of PCOS ovarian granulosa cells.Conclusions Silencing circ_0058063 enhances proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in PCOS ovarian granulosa cells. Such findings may offer vital insights into a therapeutic target for PCOS.