Study of LHCGR gene variants in a sample of colombian women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A pilot study

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the association between polymorphisms of the LHCGR gene and PCOS in a sample from Colombian women. MethodsWe included 49 Colombian women with PCOS and 49 healthy women. Genotype distributions between groups were compared, and phenotype-genotype association analysis was performed in the PCOS group. Identification of five SNP’s in the LHCGR gene was carried out through the iPLEX and MassARRAY system (Agena Bioscience). ResultsOur results showed that the rs7371084 variant was negatively associated with PCOS under the codominant, dominant, and overdominant models. Women with the TC + TT genotypes in rs2293275 had shorter menstrual cycles (p = 0.026), and women with the CT + CC genotypes in rs6732721 showed a decrease in the number of antral follicles (p = 0.038).Within the endocrine parameters, we identified associations between GA + GG genotypes in rs13405728 and CT + CC genotypes in rs6732721, and the decrease in LH levels (p = 0.013; p = 0.04, respectively). Women with TC + TT genotypes in rs2293275 had increased DHEAS (p = 0.047) and androstenedione (p = 0.045) levels. Regarding metabolic parameters, we identified associations between GA + GG genotypes in rs13405728 and CT + CC genotypes in rs6732721, and an increase in fasting glucose levels (p = 0.028; p = 0.017, respectively). ConclusionWe found that the rs7371084 variant was negatively associated with PCOS. Also, we identify associations between combined genotypes of the LHCGR gene and the phenotypic traits of PCOS, such as shorter menstrual cycle length, fewer follicles, lower LH levels, and increased DHEAS, androstenedione, and fasting glucose levels. The results of this pilot study provide a basis to clarify the genetics and pathophysiology of PCOS in the Colombian population. Future large-scale studies are recommended for this population.