Androgen receptor gene CAG length polymorphism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the CAG repeat length of the androgen receptor (AR) gene contributes to individual differences in the susceptibility to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
Retrospective case-control study.


METHODS
University-based clinic.


METHODS
One hundred six nondiabetic women with PCOS and 112 nonhirsute fertile controls.


METHODS
Androgen receptor gene CAG repeat length was analyzed in women with PCOS and their controls.


METHODS
Androgen receptor gene CAG repeat length in both groups.


RESULTS
The mean CAGn was 21.5 repeats in both groups (NS; t-test). Furthermore, when the CAGn lengths were divided into three categories (CAGn < or =18, 19-24, > or =25), the distribution was similar in both groups (NS; chi2 test). However, all five women carrying < or =15 CAG repeats belonged to the PCOS group. In the PCOS group, CAGn did not correlate with body mass index or serum testosterone concentration.


CONCLUSIONS
Androgen receptor CAGn is not a major determinant of PCOS. However, it may be a significant modulator of androgen-related diseases in some individuals.
Jääskeläinen
Jarmo
J
Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland. jarmo.jaaskelainen@uku.fi
Korhonen
Seija
S
Voutilainen
Raimo
R
Hippeläinen
Maritta
M
Heinonen
Seppo
S
D000225:Adenine; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003596:Cytosine; D005260:Female; D006147:Guanine; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000502:physiology; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000235:genetics*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018911:Trinucleotide Repeats / Q000502:physiology*
D011944:Receptors, Androgen; D006147:Guanine; D003596:Cytosine; D000225:Adenine