title: Androgen receptor gene polymorphism and polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism. Its etiopathology is not well understood but genetic factors seem to have a role. Polymorphism of the androgen receptor (AR) gene has been associated with different androgen pattern diseases.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the association between AR gene polymorphism and PCOS.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review was performed via PUBMED, EMBASE, and LILACS (up to May 31, 2011).
  
  
  METHODS
  Studies assessing the presence of the (CAG)(n) polymorphism of the AR gene in at least 2 comparison groups (PCOS and control). Studies that did not contain adequate information were excluded.
  
  
  METHODS
  Study characteristics and results were analyzed. Meta-analysis could not be performed because only 2 articles provided odds ratios.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Three studies reported a correlation between the polymorphism and PCOS; 2 studies linked the disorder to shorter repeats, whereas the other associated it with longer repeats.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Polymorphism of the AR gene seems to be a promising biomarker for PCOS because shorter repeats may be linked to the disorder. However, further studies are needed to understand the association fully.
authors.affiliation: Gynecology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinics Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. law.email@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Lawrence H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Maria C P
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Baracat
authors.forename: Gustavo A R
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Maciel
authors.forename: José M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Soares
authors.forename: Edmund C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Baracat
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D011944:Receptors, Androgen