Fig 2: SCFAs regulate hypothalamic GnRH release through GPR54-PKC-ERK1/2 pathway. (A) Representative Western blot images showing GPR54, PKC, p-ERK1/2, t-ERK1/2 and ß-actin expression in rats added with SCFAs. (B–D) Statistical analysis of GPR54, PKC and p-ERk1/2 expression in each group. (E) GnRH secretion in the hypothalamus. (F) HFD led to a decrease in SCFAs in the gut and promoted the expression of the GPR54-PKC-ERK1/2 pathway. Supplementation with SCFAs with a HFD reversed the high expression of the GPR54-PKC-ERK1/2 pathway and further decreased the secretion of GnRH, weakening the activation of the pituitary gland and inhibiting gonadal development. n = 6 per group for rat samples. *P<0.05; **P<0.01; ***P<0.001.

Fig 3: HFD promotes the gene expression of the HPGA in rats with obesity-induced precocious puberty. (A) The gene expression of Kiss1 in the hypothalamus. (B) The gene expression of GPR54 in the hypothalamus. (C) The gene expression of GnRH in the hypothalamus. (D) The gene expression of ERa in the hypothalamus. (E) The gene expression of GnRHR in the pituitary. (F) The gene expression of LHR in the ovary. (G) The gene expression of FSR in the ovary. (H) The gene expression of ERa in the ovary. n = 6 per group for rat samples. *P<0.05; **P<0.01.