Research Projects

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOs) is a prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder in women, characterized by hyper-androgenism. The prevalence of PCOs in India ranges from 3.7 to 22.5%, making it a significant health threat for women. Melatonin production sites in female reproductive organs, including follicular cells and oocytes, have been found to improve oocyte and embryo quality in PCOs patients and correct hormonal alterations. Recent research has shown that PCOs is associated with circadian clock disruption, which can be affected by shift working and light pollution. This study aims to test the effect of lifestyle/environment-related light pollution on PCOs via disruption of the circadian clock. Experiments will be conducted on DHEA-induced PCOs mice models, administering melatonin depending on the phase of the circadian clock of individual animals and testing its effect on PCOs progression. Transcriptome analysis will be used to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in melatonin's effect on PCOs. The study will establish the causal link between clock and PCOs by manipulating the clock using a lifestyle-related environmental pollutant (LAN). Transcriptome analysis will shed light on the molecular mechanism involved in melatonin's effect on PCOs. The data on transcriptomics will decipher the molecules involved in the regulation of PCOs and the effects of melatonin, potentially leading to new targets for drug development related to the molecular pathways of PCOs manifestation.