title: The (TAAAA)n microsatellite polymorphism in the SHBG gene influences serum SHBG levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hyperandrogenaemia is a common feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) gene was proposed as being a PCOS candidate gene. A possible influence of the microsatellite polymorphism (TAAAA)(n) in the SHBG gene on serum SHBG levels in PCOS patients was investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and twenty-three PCOS patients and 110 age-matched controls were included in the study. Peripheral blood samples were obtained. Genotyping of the (TAAAA)(n) polymorphism in the SHBG gene was performed. Serum LH, FSH, SHBG and total testosterone concentrations were determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  SHBG alleles with 6-11 TAAAA repeats were found. None of the SHBG alleles or genotypes were present at a significantly more frequent rate in PCOS patients compared with controls. Serum SHBG levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in PCOS patients compared with controls and were found to be strongly influenced by the (TAAAA)(n) SHBG polymorphism, in both the PCOS (55.3%) and control (33.1%) groups of patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The (TAAAA)(n) SHBG gene polymorphism might be an important predictor for serum SHBG levels and, consequently, for hyperandrogenaemic clinical presentation of PCOS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Polonca
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ferk
authors.forename: Natasa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Teran
authors.forename: Ksenija
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gersak
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000483:Alleles; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000235:genetics; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin