The peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma Pro12Ala polymorphism is associated with a lower hirsutism score and increased insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation. The genetic background of the insulin resistance frequently associated with PCOS is unclear.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the influe nce of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), which is thought to play a role in the regulation of insulin sensitivity, on endocrine and metabolic parameters in PCOS patients.


METHODS
PPARgamma alleles were analysed in 102 PCOS patients (age 27 +/- 5.3 years) and 104 age matched control women. PCOS was defined by the NIH-criteria as the presence of chronic oligo- or anovulation and hyperandrogenism. Family history and clinical parameters were evaluated by personal interview and physical examination, parameters of insulin resistance [homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and Matsuda-index] were evaluated with a glucose tolerance test.


RESULTS
Seventy-nine (77.5%) PCOS patients were carriers of the wild-type PPARgamma allele (Pro/Pro), while 23 (22.5%) had at least one Ala allele (X/Ala), with an equal distribution in controls. X/Ala PCOS women were more insulin-sensitive, evidenced by lower fasting insulin, HOMA index and insulin secretion. Differences in insulin resistance did not depend on body mass index. The genotype had no influence on lipid status, leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, or family history of type 2 diabetes. A significantly lower proportion of Pro/Ala patients had hirsutism and they had on average lower hirsutism scores than Pro/Pro patients. No relationship was found between the Pro/Ala polymorphism and other signs of hyperandrogenism.


CONCLUSIONS
The Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPARgamma gene is associated with increased insulin sensitivity and lower hirsutism scores in PCOS women.
Hahn
Susanne
S
Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany.
Fingerhut
Anja
A
Khomtsiv
Ulyana
U
Khomtsiv
Liliya
L
Tan
Susanne
S
Quadbeck
Beate
B
Herrmann
Burkhard L
BL
Knebel
Birgit
B
Müller-Wieland
Dirk
D
Mann
Klaus
K
Janssen
Onno E
OE
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D047495:PPAR gamma / Q000235:genetics*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D047495:PPAR gamma