Abstract
BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are not clear. To date, few studies have been conducted on the altered expression of serum microRNAs (miRNAs) in women with PCOS. The present study was performed to examine the role of the serum miRNA as a biomarker for the diagnosis of PCOS and its relationship with metabolic and reproductive traits.MethodsA cross-sectional comparison was made in 21 women with PCOS and age- and body mass index (BMI)- matched 21 healthy women in an academic center laboratory between December 2008 and October 2010. We selected miRNAs that were more than 1.5-fold up-regulated or less than 0.67-fold down-regulated in women with PCOS compared with controls using the SurePrint G3 Human miRNA Microarray. Subsequently, we validated the relative expression of the miRNAs using TaqMan quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays.ResultsSerum miRNA-4522, miRNA-324-3p, and miRNA-6767-5p were down-regulated in women with PCOS compared with controls in the microarray analysis. Among these miRNAs, serum miRNA-6767-5p was validated (fold change in women with PCOS/controls = 0.39, P-value<0.05) by RT-qPCR. The miRNA-6767-5p was negatively associated with fasting glucose (β = -0.370) and positively associated with the number of menses per year (β = 0.383) after adjustment for age and BMI (Ps<0.05). Genes targeted by miRNA-6767-5p were involved in the cell cycle and the immune system.ConclusionsSerum miRNA-6767-5p may be a novel candidate as a molecular biomarker in the diagnosis of PCOS and may participate in the development of the metabolic and reproductive traits of PCOS.
Highlights
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common female endocrinopathy and affects 5–10% of reproductive-age women [1, 2]
Few studies have been conducted on the altered expression of serum microRNAs in women with PCOS
Serum miRNA-4522, miRNA-324-3p, and miRNA-6767-5p were down-regulated in women with PCOS compared with controls in the microarray analysis
Summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common female endocrinopathy and affects 5–10% of reproductive-age women [1, 2]. PCOS is a heterogeneous disorder with a broad spectrum of phenotypes. It is characterized by ovulatory and menstrual dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. The pathogenesis of PCOS has not been fully elucidated, abnormal folliculogenesis and gonadotropin production contributes to the development of PCOS. These abnormalities may arise from both genetic predisposition and environmental insults [4]. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are not clear. The present study was performed to examine the role of the serum miRNA as a biomarker for the diagnosis of PCOS and its relationship with metabolic and reproductive traits
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
