Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Group Research Articles

The impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on attention: an empirical investigation

BackgroundPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinal dysfunction characterized by androgen excess, irregular or absent menstruation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. While extensive research is conducted on the biochemical and medical ramifications of PCOS. However, there is not much research on cognitive mechanisms, especially attention. Attention is the fundamental cognitive ability that influences other cognitive and psychological phenomena. Therefore, the present study attempts to investigate the effect of PCOS on attention.MethodsFlanker’s task examining focussed attention and Posner’s cueing task measuring divided attention was administered to 173 female participants, of which 101 constituted the PCOS group and the remaining were control. The Analysis of Variance was used to analyze the data.ResultsThese findings demonstrated that the PCOS group took longer in focused attention, 557.21 milliseconds (SD = 169.70), compared to the reaction time of 462.88 milliseconds (SD = 120.80) in divided attention. Concerning accuracy, the PCOS group made more errors in the focused attention task at 0.98 (SD = 0.41), while for the divided attention task, it was 0.99 (SD = 0.27).ConclusionsWomen with PCOS showed more error and slower reaction time in focused attention.

The possible regulatory role of miRNA-30c-5p, miRNA-545-3p and miRNA-125a-5p in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a case-control study and signaling pathways.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. MicroRNA (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs related to the control of gene expression in biological fluids. Our study analyzed the expression of miRNAs related to inflammation in individuals with PCOS compared to controls. Twenty patients with PCOS and 20 controls, matched by body mass index and age, were included in the study. The miRNAs evaluated were miRNA-30c-5p; miRNA-545-3p and miRNA-125a-5p. The expression of the miRNAs was similar between the two groups. A positive correlation was observed between the expression of miRNA-125a-5p and LDL-c levels only in the PCOS group. Subsequent analysis of biological pathways showed that miRNA-125a -5p is significantly involved in the regulation of SREBP/SREBF pathways of cholesterol biosynthesis, glycolysis, insulin receptor signaling, oxidative stress-induced senescence and estrogen-dependent gene expression. The results suggest that the miRNA-125a-5p shows a potential implication to the regulation of lipid biosynthesis and LDL-c levels in PCOS women.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Terminalia chebula Retz. in Alleviating the Complications of Letrozole-Induced PCOS in Rat Model.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a leading gynecological condition that is being known to affect women fertility irrespective of their reproductive age. Though its prevalency and adverse effects in causing the female infertility is know to be reported worldwide, it has the steroidal pills having remarkable side effects as their effective medication to treat and manage its symptoms. Inorder to find a novel curative plant besed therapy, this study investigates the therapeutic potential of Terminalia chebula Retz. to manage the complications of PCOS. In this present study, the bioactive compounds of Terminalia chebula Retz. fruit extract were identified by GC-MS and the experimental animals (female Wistar rats) were categorized into six groups including control, letrozole-induced PCOS group, metformine treated as standard control, along with the groups orally treated with T. chebula fruit extracts at various concentrations. As a result of PCOS induction, the level of LPx got increased evidencing the increased lipid metabolism where the other antioxidant levels were decreased. The serum hormonal profile revealed a considerable decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels while the levels of LH, FSH, testosterone, and insulin were increased. The mRNA and protein expressions of CYP17A1, was upregulated whereas the CYP19A1 and PPAR-γ found to have lower expression on concerning the control group. These entire physiological, and biochemical observed during the successful induction of PCOS got restored to normal after being treated with the fruit extract of T. chebula in the experimental animals and implied its potentiality in managing the complications of PCOS.

Dysregulated serum levels of kisspeptin, NKB, GABA in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and their association with hormonal profiles

Introduction The clinical study aimed to evaluate the levels of serum kisspeptin, NKB, and GABA in Chinese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and explore their association with hormonal profiles, as well as the relationship between these levels in PCOS patients and controls. Methods From December 2022 to December 2023, medical records of 60 individuals diagnosed with PCOS and 32 healthy subjects were obtained. Serum kisspeptin, NKB and GABA levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. To assess the correlation, either Pearson’s or Spearman’s analytical method was employed between serum kisspeptin, NKB, and GABA levels and hormonal profiles. Results The results showed that serum kisspeptin and NKB levels were significantly lower in PCOS patients (p﹤.05), while GABA levels were elevated compared to those in the control group (p﹤.05). In PCOS patients, kisspeptin was notably positive-correlated with LH and LH/FSH (p﹤.05), but no significant correlation was found between NKB, GABA, and hormonal profiles. In PCOS, GABA levels had a strong positive correlation with NKB levels (r = 0.613, p = .000), but this was not observed in the control group. In control patients, kisspeptin levels were positively associated with NKB (r = 0.475, p = .011), strongly negatively correlated with GABA levels (r = −0.773, p = .000), but these were not observed in the PCOS group. Conclusion The study concluded that patients with PCOS have dysregulated levels of serum kisspeptin, NKB, and GABA and that they may have paradoxical effects under physiological and pathological situations.

Evaluation of ultrasound derived fat fraction for metabolic associated fatty liver disease in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

To explore the application of ultrasound derived fat fraction (UDFF) in evaluating metabolic associated fatty liver disease in obese polycystic ovary syndrome. This study included 124 obese PCOS patients and 106 age and body mass index (BMI) matched non PCOS control group women. The two groups of data were compared to determine the prevalence of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in PCOS obese patients. The 124 obese PCOS patients were divided into MAFLD group (n = 64) and non MAFLD group (n = 60). Using ROC curve analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of UDFF and SWV values for MAFLD. The MAFLD group was divided into mild group (n = 16), moderate group (n = 24), and severe group (n = 24). Use Spearman correlation method to analyze the relationship between UDFF value, SWV value and the severity of MAFLD. MAFLD was more common in the obese PCOS group than in the control group (51.61 vs 27.36%) (χ2 = 13.9583, P = 0.00019). The UDFF of obese PCOS patients was higher than those of the control group, while SWV was lower than those of the control group. ROC analysis showed that the AUC of UDFF for diagnosing MAFLD was 0.935, with sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off values of 92.2, 85.0, and 4.5%, respectively. UDFF was positively correlated with the severity of MAFLD (r = 0.603, P < 0.01). The AUC of SWE for diagnosing MAFLD was 0.728, with sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off values of 51.6, 93.3%, and 1.015m/s, respectively. SWV was negatively correlated with the severity of MAFLD (r = - 0.551, P < 0.01). The prevalence of MAFLD is significantly higher in obese PCOS patients, and UDFF technology can detect and quantitatively analyze liver fat infiltration in obese PCOS patients early. At the same time, auto-pSWE also has diagnostic significance for the progression of liver disease.

The role of salivary antioxidant level in polycystic ovary syndrome women under assisted reproductive technology treatment: A case-control study

Background: Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. Approximately 85% of infertile couples have an identifiable cause, one of the most common causes of infertility is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The reduction of antioxidant levels in serum and follicular fluid in infertile women compared to healthy women shows the importance of further studying these markers. Objective: To study salivary and serum antioxidant levels in PCOS participants under assisted reproductive technology. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 80 women in 2 groups including normal participants as control and PCOS groups (n = 40/each). Serum and salivary antioxidant levels such as saliva superoxide dismutase (SOD), saliva anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), serum SOD, serum total oxidant status, and serum AMH were measured. Results: The average age of participants was 31.6 ± 5.4 yr. In both the saliva and serum, antioxidant levels differed significantly between the PCOS and control groups. Key findings showed that the PCOS group had different antioxidant levels and higher serum AMH levels compared to the control group, with all differences being statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Our finding underscored that saliva antioxidant levels, especially SOD, are a good marker for PCOS diagnosis. It is noninvasive, can easily be performed by the participants, and can be collected in various settings without specialized equipment.

Closer look at circulating nitric oxide levels and their association with polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analytical exploration

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) casts a wide shadow over the reproductive health of millions of women worldwide, emerging as one of the most complex and multifaceted endocrine disorders. In addition, nitric oxide (NO) stands out as a pivotal signaling molecule, orchestrating a symphony of physiological processes.Objective: This meta-analysis aims to elucidate the association between NO levels and PCOS, investigate the potential of NO as a biomarker for PCOS diagnosis, and evaluate its clinical significance.Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted in several electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, to identify relevant studies published up to January 2024. Standardized mean difference and 95% CI were calculated using a random effects model to assess the overall effect size. Meta-regressions and subgroup analysis were performed to investigate sources of heterogeneity.Results: A meta-analysis of 14 studies with 1171 participants showed that NO levels were significantly lower in the PCOS group than in the control group. The pooled analysis yielded a standardized mean difference of -0.482; 95% CI: -0.908 to -0.056; p = 0.027. Subgroup analyses further demonstrated variations in NO levels between different PCOS phenotypes and in relation to metabolic parameters.Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides evidence for an association between PCOS and dysregulated NO levels and suggests a potential role of NO as a biomarker in the diagnosis and pathogenesis of PCOS.

Treatment of Qin Gui Wan (QGW) in PCOS abnormal oocytes development via AMPK/PGC-1ɑ pathway.

To investigate the therapeutic effects of Qin Gui Wan (QGW) and its disassembled functional drug groups, Wenyang Zhuhuo (WYZH) and Xinwen Zhuyang (XWZY), on letrozole-induced PCOS rats. PCOS rat model was established by administering letrozole for 21 days. The rats were divided into control, PCOS, Diane-35, QGW, WYZH and XWZY groups. The changes of body weight, ovarian coefficient, estrous cycle and sex hormone levels were observed. The ovarian histological characteristics and ovulation were observed by HE staining. P450arom, SF-1, and AMPK/PGC-1ɑ pathway mRNA and protein expression were analyzed using qRT-PCR, WB, and IHC. The AMPK inhibitor Compound C (CC) was used to explore the treatment mechanism of QGW in granulosa cells. And UHPLC-MS/MS was used to performed chemical composition analysis. QGW, WYZH, and XWZY can correct the disordered estrous cycle of PCOS rats and improve the serum hormone status of rats to varying degrees. HE results indicated that QGW, WYZH, and XWZY improved ovarian polycystic changes and normalized ovulation. qRT-PCR, WB, and IHC results demonstrated that QGW, WYZH, and XWZY increased PGC-1α, SF-1, and P450arom mRNA and protein expression in the ovaries of PCOS rats. The level of AMPK mRNA in the ovaries of QGW and its disassembled prescriptions increased, while only WYZH and XWZY rats showed increased ovarian AMPK levels. CC attenuated the activation of AMPK, PGC-1α, SF-1, and P450arom mRNA by QGW. This study demonstrates that QGW alleviates abnormal oocyte development in PCOS rats, possibly by enhancing P450arom expression via the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway, thus restoring normal androgen-estrogen balance and follicular development.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and oxidative stress

Objective: In reproductive age, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women. Although it is a very common, pathogenesis is still unclear. Oxidative stress is one of the proposed mechanisms. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory findings and oxidative stress parameters in PCOS. Methods: In our prospective study, we included 75 PCOS patients, diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria, and 75 healthy people as the control group. Participants' demographic data and menstrual cycle patterns were questioned. Lipid profile and insulin resistance were examined. Ferriman-Gallwey scoring and androgen levels were studied to evaluate hirsutism. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and urotensin-2, which are oxidative stress markers, were measured. Results: The average age of the PCOS group was 23.1 and the control group was 27. Menstrual cycle duration was 47.9 versus 27.5 in the PCOS (p

Three-dimensional MRI follicle segmentation and counting using SegmentWithSAM in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome.

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of Follicle numbers measured on ultrasound (US), conventional magnetic resonance imaging (2D MRI), and three-dimensional (3D) MRI in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to compare the diagnostic efficacy of these imaging modalities. In this prospective study, 58 PCOS patients and 60 healthy women underwent US, conventional 2D MRI, and 3D MRI. Clinical laboratory tests and ovarian volume were compared between PCOS and control groups. Follicle numbers measured on US (FN-US), 2D MRI (FN-2D), and 3D MRI (FN-3D) using SegmentWithSAM were compared between PCOS and control groups using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the DeLong test. Ovarian volume and follicle numbers were significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group. The diagnostic performance was found with FN-3D achieving the highest AUC of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.90-0.98), superior to that of US (0.80 [95% CI: 0.72-0.88]) and 2D MRI (0.90 [95% CI: 0.84-0.96]), respectively. Significant differences in the diagnostic efficacy of follicle counts were observed between US, conventional MRI, and 3D MRI, with 3D MRI showing superior results. 3D MRI was superior to US and 2D MRI in diagnosing PCOS, with the ability to display small follicles.

The prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis is not increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome after adjustment for family predisposition.

Several studies suggest a linkage between PCOS and autoimmunity with a high frequency of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) reported in PCOS patients, however, this subject remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of AIT in PCOS women and identify parameters that would serve as independent predictors of AIT. Two hundred fifty seven (257) PCOS patients according to the NIH criteria and one hundred forty three (143) controls, women with normal menstrual cycles and without clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, were recruited for the study. Anthropometric characteristics and a complete family history for AIT were recorded. Thyroid hormones, antithyroid antibodies, androgen, glucose and insulin levels were measured. Thyroid gland structure was evaluated by ultrasound scan. Patients and controls did not differ in age, BMI as well as genetic predisposition for AIT (p > 0.05). Women with PCOS presented higher levels of androgens and HOMA-IR index, as expected. AIT prevalence did not differ between women with PCOS and controls (4.8 vs 9.3%, p = 0.13). However, the subgroup of PCOS patients with AIT presented a significantly stronger predisposition for AIT (33.3 vs 4.7%, p = 0.004) compared to patients without AIT. In a multivariate regression model, a positive family history of AIT was proved to be the strongest independent predictor of AIT in the PCOS group (OR 7.06, 95% CI 1.04-47.79, R2 = 0.39). The prevalence of AIT in the PCOS patients does not differ from the general population when family predisposition to AIT is taken into account.

BMAL1 improves assisted reproductive technology outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome by targeting BMP6 and regulating ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis.

To investigate BMAL1 and BMP6 expressive differences in ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs) of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), explore regulatory relationship, assess their impacts on OGC proliferation and apoptosis, and analyze their correlations with ART outcomes of patients. A clinical study selected 40 PCOS patients who underwent IVF/ICSI in our hospital from January to October 2022 and 39 controls with male or tubal factor infertility. RT-qPCR and Western blot assessed BMAL1 and BMP6 mRNA/protein levels. The number of oocytes retrieved, 2PN fertilized oocytes, available embryos, and high-quality embryos were compared between groups and analyzed their correlations with BMAL1 and BMP6 expression levels. Cellular experiments were performed by overexpressing or knocking down BMAL1 in KGN cells by plasmid transfection. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to identify BMAL1/BMP6 regulatory relationship. CCK-8 and flow cytometry assessed cellular proliferation and apoptosis. BMAL1 mRNA/protein expression (P < 0.001) in the PCOS group was significantly lower than that in controls, as was the number of high-quality embryos (P = 0.001). Contrastingly, BMP6 (P < 0.001) was significantly higher in the PCOS group. BMAL1 expression levels were negatively correlated with BMP6 (r = - 0.684, P = 0.002) and positively correlated with the number of 2PN fertilized oocytes, available embryos, and high-quality embryos (r = 0.659, P = 0.003; r = 0.623, P = 0.006; and r = 0.738, P < 0.001). Cellular experiments showed that overexpression of BMAL1 significantly decreased relative luciferase activity (P < 0.01). Overexpression of BMAL1 significantly decreased KGN cell apoptosis (P < 0.01) and enhanced proliferation (P < 0.01). BMAL1 regulates OGCs proliferation and apoptosis by targeting BMP6, thereby influencing ART outcomes in patients with PCOS. This study might provide molecular factors that indicate ART outcomes and therapeutic targets for PCOS. Registration number: ChiCTR2100052331; registration date: 2021-10-24.

Anti-Müllerian hormone regulates ovarian granulosa cell growth in PCOS rats through SMAD4.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a diverse condition with an unknown cause. The precise mechanism underlying ovulatory abnormalities in PCOS remains unclear. It is widely believed that malfunction of granulosa cells is the primary factor contributing to aberrant follicular formation in PCOS. A DHEA-induced PCOS rat model was established, and ovarian granulosa cells were extracted and identified. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4) expression was detected in the serum, ovarian tissue and ovarian granulosa cells of each group, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), BCL2-associated 2 (BAX), cleaved caspase-3 and BCL-2 protein expression was detected by Western blot in ovarian granulosa cells. Recombinant anti-Müllerian hormone (rAMH) was administered at different concentrations to act on normal rat ovarian granulosa cells, cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and SMAD4, caspase-3, BCL-2 and cyclin A proteins were detected by Western blot. SMAD4-siRNA was transfected into rat ovarian granulosa cells of the PCOS group, and PCNA and BAX were detected by Western blot. Compared with those in the control group, the expression of AMH and SMAD4 was increased in the ovarian tissues and granulosa cells of rats in the PCOS group, the expression of PCNA and BCL-2 proteins was decreased in the ovarian granulosa cells of the PCOS group, the expression of BAX proteins was increased, and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 was increased. Western blot results indicated that rAMH upregulated SMAD4 and caspase-3 protein expression in granulosa cells and downregulated cyclin A and BCL-2 protein expression. CCK-8 and flow cytometry results indicated that AMH decreased granulosa cells proliferation and increased apoptosis. SiRNA knockdown of SMAD4 gene increased PCNA and BCL-2 protein expression in the granulosa cells of PCOS rats and decreased BAX and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression. AMH may be involved in regulating impaired ovarian granulosa cells development in PCOS rats via SMAD4.

Variability of anti-Müllerian hormone and folliculotropic hormone levels in women of reproductive age in relation to normal or impaired ovarian function

The demographic crisis in Europe is growing due to an increasing proportion of couples with fertility disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine the variability of ovarian reserve markers with age in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in relative to women with normal ovarian function. Two hormones were analyzed: anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and folliculotropic hormone (FSH). This study demonstrates that AMH is a valuable indicator of alterations in reproductive capacity. FSH is a standard marker of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. We examined the reproductive status of 390 women aged 23–46 years in three groups. Ovarian dysfunction was determined by a medical diagnosis. The study includes women with PCOS (n=154), POI (n=40), and control group (n=196) with normal ovarian function (NOF). Blood samples were collected to measure AMH and FSH. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to demonstrate the relationship between hormone levels and age in different age groups. ANOVA was used to analyze factors related to AMH and FSH concentrations. The results confirmed that women with POI had significantly lower AMH concentrations and higher FSH concentrations than women with normal ovarian function only in the group of women aged 36–46 years. There were no statistically significant differences in FSH levels in women with POI and NOF in the 23–30 and 31–35 age groups. AMH levels were higher in the PCOS group than in women with NOF in all age groups. FSH marker did not differ compared to the control group in women aged 23–30 and 36–46. The predictive value of AMH in the diagnosis of PCOS is significantly higher than the commonly used FSH. The results may contribute to earlier assessment of biological status to support reproductive chances in women with POI and PCOS.

Study on the effects of Mogroside V in inhibiting NLRP3-mediated granulosa cell pyroptosis and insulin resistance to improve PCOS

ObjectivePolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrinopathy in reproductive-aged women, contributing to 75% of infertility cases due to ovulatory dysfunction. The condition poses significant health and psychological challenges, making the study of its pathogenesis and treatment a research priority. This study investigates the effects of Mogroside V (MV) on PCOS, focusing on its anti-inflammatory and anti-insulin resistance properties.MethodsForty-five female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control, PCOS model, and MV treatment. The PCOS model was induced using a high-fat diet and letrozole. The MV treatment group was subsequently administered MV after the establishment of the PCOS model. The study monitored body mass, assessed estrous cycle changes, and measured serum hormone levels. Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics were used to identify differentially expressed genes related to inflammation and insulin resistance. Expression of pyroptosis and insulin resistance markers was analyzed using qRT-PCR, Western blot, and IHC. Additionally, an in vitro model assessed MV's impact on inflammation and insulin resistance.ResultsThe PCOS group exhibited elevated serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), insulin, and fasting glucose levels, along with increased insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and decreased estradiol (E2), which were reversed by MV treatment. Transcriptome analysis identified significant gene expression changes between groups, particularly in pathways related to NLRP3 inflammation and insulin metabolism. MV treatment normalized the expression of ovarian pyroptosis factors (NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18). In cellular models, MV increased E2 levels, reduced LDH release, and decreased the expression of insulin resistance and pyroptosis markers. Correlation analysis showed pyroptosis factors were positively correlated with HOMA-IR and IGF1, and negatively with IGF1R and E2 levels.ConclusionMV improves PCOS by reducing pyroptosis and insulin resistance, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and promoting estrogen synthesis, thereby restoring granulosa cell function and follicular development.

Evaluation of Retinal Changes in Women with Different Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Background: The aim of our study was to evaluate the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular and choroidal thicknesses in women with different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and compare these measurements with those of healthy women of reproductive age. Materials and Methods: This prospective case-control study included 120 eyes of 120 women with PCOS, with each of the four distinct phenotypes comprising 30 eyes of 30 women. Additionally, 30 eyes from 30 healthy women were included in the control group. All participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations, and RNFL thickness, macular thickness (MT), and choroidal thickness (CT) in each eye were measured via spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The body mass index (BMI) of the patients was recorded and compared with the retinal changes. Results: The average mean and nasal segments of the RNFL were significantly greater in the PCOS group than in the healthy control group (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in foveal retinal thickness between the groups (p < 0.001). Our study revealed significant choroidal tissue thickening subfoveally and at locations 500 μm temporal, 500 μm nasal, 1500 μm nasal, and 1500 μm temporal to the fovea in all phenotypes of the PCOS group (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a positive correlation between BMI and all CT changes. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the retinal layers and choroid are affected by all phenotypes of PCOS, one of the most common reproductive abnormalities, albeit to varying degrees. Furthermore, these changes were found to be correlated with BMI.

The Impact of BMI on PCOS Patients and Transcriptome Profiling and Bioinformatic Analysis of Granulosa Cells in PCOS Patients with High and Low BMI.

To explore the impact of high body mass index (BMI) on the embryo quality and clinical outcomes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, and the possible genes involved. Patients who underwent in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and embryo transfer in our center from November 2014 to September 2023, were divided into low BMI PCOS (LBP) group, high BMI PCOS (HBP) group, and high BMI control (HBC) group. Transcriptome sequencing was performed in eight PCOS patients' granulosa cells (GCs). A total of 812 IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in the embryo part; and 489 fresh, 634 frozen-warmed embryo transfer (FET) cycles from the clinical part were included. The ICSI normal fertilization rate of HBP group was decreased compared to LBP and HBC groups (p = 0.013&0.008). The IVF blastocyst development rate in HBP group was lower than LBP group (p = 0.01). The preterm birth rate in HBP group was higher than in LBP (30.66% vs. 16.48%, p = 0.041) and HBC groups (30.66% vs. 11.34%, p = 0.002), the adjusted OR (AOR) of preterm birth and BMI was 1.124 (p = 0.023) in FET cycles. Transcriptome sequencing result of GCs showed that differentially expressed miRNAs/lncRNA/circRNA/mRNAs in two PCOS groups were 61, 450, 83, and 568, respectively. The hub genes analysis, enrichment analysis and competing endogenous RNA network revealed that cell cycle, oocyte maturation, systemic lupus erythematosus, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways had important roles in the embryo development and pregnancy process. The combined effect of PCOS and obesity reduced oocyte quality and embryonic development potential, finally led to poorer clinical outcomes.

Whole transcriptome analysis and construction of gene regulatory networks of granulosa cells from patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

ObjectivePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive endocrine disease characterized by reproductive dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to explore the expression characteristics of coding and non-coding RNAs in granulosa cells of PCOS, and to provide data support for understanding the pathogenesis of PCOS. MethodsThree patients with PCOS (according to the 2003 Rotterdam diagnostic criteria) and three normal controls were selected. We used the standard long protocol to collect granulosa cells from two groups, who underwent assisted reproduction at the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, China. We performed whole-transcriptome sequencing using RNA-Seq technology to construct transcriptome patterns of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs). These patterns were then subjected to in-depth analysis using bioinformatics tools.ResultsWe identified a total of 2111 mRNAs and 4328 non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the PCOS group as compared with the control group. Among the ncRNAs, there were 2047 lncRNAs, 892 circRNAs, and 1389 miRNAs. Based on the condition |log2(fold_change) |≥ 1 and a P-value of ≤ 0.05, we obtained 705 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 204 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 111 differentially expressed circRNAs, and 88 differentially expressed miRNAs. The target genes were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and the cell cycle. There were three types of circRNAs, among which the number of exon-type circRNAs accounted for more than 90%. Using co-expression network analysis, we identified several important candidate gene mRNAs (VLDLR, PPP2R2B, and MYOCD), lncRNAs (FBXO30, SNHG14, and PVT1), and miRNAs (miRNA-150); these mRNAs and ncRNAs could play a regulatory role in PCOS granulosa cells.ConclusionIn this study, we discovered significant alterations in mRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs in PCOS granulosa cells, indicating dysregulation in vital pathways. Notably, genes like VLDLR, PPP2R2B, and MYOCD, along with lncRNAs FBXO30, SNHG14, and PVT1, may contribute to PCOS pathology, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets.

Polycystic ovary syndrome negatively affects sexual function and lower urinary tract symptoms in syrian women: a case-control study

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age worldwide, and its related features like obesity, mental health issues and hyperandrogenism may contribute to inadequately investigated health problems such as sexual dysfunction (SD) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Therefore, this study examined the impact of PCOS on sexual function (SF) and lower urinary tract in Syrian women by recruiting a total of 178 women of reproductive age, of whom 88 were diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria and 90 without PCOS were considered as the control group. Female sexual function index (FSFI) and Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Questionnaire (BFLUTS) were used to assess SF and LUTS respectively. PCOS group had higher SD prevalence compared to control group (65.9% vs 48.9%, p = 0.016), and BMI showed an inverse correlation with the total FSFI score in PCOS group (p = 0.027, r = -0.235). Furthermore, PCOS group exhibited significantly lower scores in orgasm and satisfaction subdomains. Additionally, PCOS patients had significantly higher total BFLUTS score compared to control group (median 8 vs 5, p = 0.025). Thus, PCOS may be related to SD and LUTS, highlighting the importance of evaluating SF and urinary symptoms in PCOS patients.

Development of machine learning models for diagnostic biomarker identification and immune cell infiltration analysis in PCOS

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterized by symptoms such as hyperandrogenemia, oligo or anovulation and polycystic ovarian, significantly impacting quality of life. However, the practical implementation of machine learning (ML) in PCOS diagnosis is hindered by the limitations related to data size and algorithmic models. To address this research gap, we have increased the sample size in our study and aim to utilize two ML algorithms to analyze and validate diagnostic biomarkers, as well as explore immune cell infiltration patterns in PCOS.MethodsWe performed RNA-seq analysis on granulosa cell, including 13 samples from normal controls and 25 samples from women with PCOS. The data from our study were combined with publicly available databases. Batch effects were corrected using the ‘sva’ package in R software. Differential expression analysis was performed to identify genes that exhibited significant differences between the two groups. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were further analyzed for Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Hub genes were selected by intersecting the results of both methods after using LASSO and SVM-RFE for central gene selection for DEGs. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to verify the accuracy of models by SVM and XGBoost. CIBERSORT analysis was performed to determine the relative abundances of immune cell populations. GSEA was analyzed to illustrate the expression patterns of genes within highly enriched functional pathways. RT-qPCR was used to validate the reliability of hub genes.Results824 DEGs were found between the normal control and PCOS groups, including 376 upregulated and 448 downregulated genes. These DEGs were associated with endocytosis, salmonella infection and focal adhesion based on the KEGG enrichment analysis. Through overlapping LASSO and SVM-RFE algorithms, we identified four hub genes (CNTN2, CASR, CACNB3, MFAP2) that are significantly associated with the PCOS group. The diagnostic efficacy validation set using SVM and XGBoost yielded AUC values of 0.795 and 0.875, respectively, indicating their potential as diagnostic biomarkers. Consistent with the data analysis, the upregulation of CNTN2, CASR, CACNB3, and MFAP2 in PCOS was confirmed by RT-qPCR analysis on human granulosa cells. Furthermore, according to CIBERSORT analysis, a significant reduction in CD4 memory resting T cells was revealed in the PCOS group compared to the normal control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study identified CNTN2, CASR, CACNB3, and MFAP2 as potential diagnostic biomarkers for PCOS, which provides strong evidence for existing research on hub genes. Furthermore, the analysis of immune cell infiltration revealed the significant involvement of CD4 memory resting T cells in the onset and progression of PCOS. These findings shed light on potential mechanisms underlying PCOS pathogenesis and provide valuable insights for future research and therapeutic interventions.