Terazosin reduces steroidogenic factor 1 and upregulates heat shock protein 90 expression in LH-induced bovine ovarian theca cells

Hyperthecosis syndrome is a common endocrine system metabolic disorder in women of childbearing age. The main symptoms are elevated androgen levels, abnormal ovulation, and excessive oxidative stress. Currently, there is no effective treatment for hyperthecosis syndrome. α(1)-adrenergic receptor (ADRA1) is involved in the metabolic pathway of ovarian steroid hormone. This study studied the mechanism of the ADRA1 inhibitor terazosin in the LH-induced bovine theca cells in vitro. We found that terazosin regulates the expression of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) and downstream genes through the ERK1/2 pathway, reducing androgen content. Terazosin promotes the expression of HSP90 and reduces the activity of iNOS. In addition, Terazosin up-regulates the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream gene γ-GCS, which improves the ability of theca cells to resist oxidative stress. This study provides a reference for the treatment of human hyperthecosis syndrome. Schematic illustrates a proposed pathway by which terazosin regulates androgen production in LH-induced bovine theca cells. Terazosin enhancing the HSP90 expression of bovine theca cells. [Display omitted] •Terazosin reduces androgen production in LH-induced theca cells.•Terazosin regulates SF1 expression in theca cells.•Terazosin promotes HSP90 expression in LH-induced theca cells.