Gene Expression and Plasma Level of CuZn and Mn Superoxide Dismutase in Iraqi Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy disorder that affects women worldwide and is linked to an etiological factor as well as pathophysiology. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) gene expressions and SOD enzyme activity in PCOS patients. In this study, 75 women were diagnosed with PCOS by Rotterdam criteria, and control healthy women with normal menstrual cycles and no signs of hyperandrogenism were included. Patients were separated into two subgroups according to their administration of metformin drug. Materials and Methods: CuZn SOD and MnSOD enzymes activity was determined based on the ability of the enzyme to inhibit the autoxidation of pyrogallol, and total oxidant status (TOS) was examined in the plasma using Erel method. mRNA level of SOD1 and SOD2 was evaluated in the blood sample via qPCR. Results: SOD enzyme activity was significantly higher in the patients’ group than in the controls (P < 0.0001), along with a significant increase in SOD2 gene expression (P < 0.01). In patients treated with metformin, gene expression of SOD2 was significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) comparing with patients without treatment, with increased enzyme activity (not significant). However, the SOD1 activity was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) with increased SOD1 expression in patients treated with metformin. In addition, TOS was increased in the patients’ group than in the controls and decreased in patients treated with metformin than in untreated patients with metformin. Conclusion: The results revealed a significant association between PCOS and a higher level of enzyme activity and expression. Treatment with metformin drug was related to a higher level of activity and expression of SOD2, while lowering the expression of SOD1, which suggests that oxidative stress might be involved in the development of this syndrome.