Lesson 8: Acanthosis Nigricans and Ovarian Hyperandrogenism Are Likely to Be Mediated by Hyperinsulinemia Acting through Non-Insulin Receptor Pathways. Acanthosis nigricans (a velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin) and ovarian hyperandrogenism (manifesting as hirsutism, oligomenorrhea, and polycystic ovaries in women) are seen both in patients with severe insulin receptor mutations who have reduced activity of the insulin receptor as well as in those with common obesity-related insulin resistance. This evidence concerns the gene INSR and acanthosis nigricans.