The BDNF level decreased when granulosa cells were apoptotic [52], and in this study, DHEA-induced PCOS rats showed increased expression of apoptotic proteins (cleaved caspase-3/Bax) and decreased expression of anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in the ovary. Here, BDNF is linked to polycystic ovary syndrome.