Polycystic ovary syndrome: an ancient disorder?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) appears to be an ancient disorder, which has persisted in human evolution despite reduced fecundity because of the benefits to affected women such as greater sturdiness and improved energy utilization, a rearing advantage for their children and kin, and a reduction in the risk of perinatal mortality. This raises the possibility that gene variants that are eventually found to be associated with PCOS will be similar across ethnic groups and races.
Azziz
Ricardo
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA. razziz@mcg.edu
Dumesic
Daniel A
DA
Goodarzi
Mark O
MO
D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000208:ethnology; D006666:History of Medicine; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D015810:Linkage Disequilibrium; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D015995:Prevalence; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors