In line with our previous studies [37, 40], PCOS animals showed excess body weight gain/ovarian mass, abnormal metabolic indices (fasting insulin, blood glucose and HOMA-IR) (Additional file 1: Figures S1, S2c), androgen excess, multiple ovarian cysts, elevated AMH and leptin and decreased SHBG, adiponectin and 17-β estradiol. Here, LEP is linked to hyperandrogenism.