The effects and possible mechanisms of triclosan on steroidogenesis in primary rat granulosa cells

Background. Triclosan (TCS) has been detected in human tissues. It can disrupt steroidogenesis in vivo. The study on the effects of TCS on ovarian granulosa cells was lacking. Methods: Primary rat granulosa cells (rGCs) were treated with TCS. Concentrations of estradiol (B-2), progesterone (P-4) in the cell culture supernatants were measured. Microarray was used to measure gene expression profiles. Pathway analysis was performed to identify signaling networks that linked differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Genes related with steroidogenesis were analyzed. Results: TCS increased E-2 and P-4 production. A total of 2006 DEGs were identified. Pathway analysis revealed that ovarian steroidogenesis pathway was upregulated. Both PCR and Western-blot demonstrated that the expressions of key genes involved in this pathway were significantly increased. Conclusions: TCS co-administered with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) could increase E-2 and P-4 production in rGCs and up-regulate ovarian steroidogenesis pathway. StAR and aromatase protein were increased by TCS, while P450scc protein wasn't changed significantly.