Abstract

What is the central question of this study? What is the role of hypothalamic DNA methylation in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the response to electro‐acupuncture treatment. What is the main finding and its importance? Global DNA methylation and expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) were increased in PCOS‐like rats, and electro‐acupuncture (EA) decreased global DNA methylation and DNMT3b expression. Pyrosequencing showed that the DNA methylation of some PCOS candidate genes was changed in the PCOS and PCOS+EA groups, suggesting that hypothalamic DNA methylation plays an important role in the development of PCOS and in mediating the effects of electro‐acupuncture treatment.