title: Association ofPPARGPro12Ala polymorphism with insulin sensitivity and body mass index in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: Insulin resistance is one of the key factors in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) plays a role in the regulation of insulin sensitivity. The aim of the present study was to establish a possible association of thePPARGPro12Ala polymorphism with PCOS and its effect on family and personal history, as well as on the metabolic and endocrine parameters in PCOS patients. A total of 151 PCOS patients and 179 healthy women of reproductive age were enrolled. History, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio and the presence of phenotypic hyperandrogenism were recorded. Hormonal, metabolic and biochemical profiles were assessed. A molecular analysis for the genetic polymorphism was performed. One third (29.8%) of the PCOS patients were found to be carriers of at least one variant of the Ala allele (X/Ala), while 70.2% carried two wild-type Pro alleles (Pro/Pro), with an equal distribution observed in the control group. The PCOS patients carrying the X/Ala alleles exhibited lower serum fasting insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and BMI compared to Pro/Pro carriers. This finding was significant only in the lean PCOS group. The polymorphic genotype exerted no effect on history, hormonal and clinical hyperandrogenism, lipid status or C-reactive protein, leptin, adiponectin, resistin and ghrelin serum levels in women with PCOS. In conclusion, although thePPARGPro12Ala polymorphism is not a major determinant of PCOS in the Croatian population, it may exert a positive effect on insulin sensitivity and BMI. As these associations were recorded exclusively in the lean group of patients with PCOS, this polymorphism potentially contributes to a protective role against hyperinsulinemia and obesity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Human Reproduction, University of Zagreb Medical School, University of Zagreb Medical Centre, Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Dinka Pavicic
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Baldani
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Human Reproduction, University of Zagreb Medical School, University of Zagreb Medical Centre, Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Lana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Skrgatic
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Ljubljana Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Jasmina Z
authors.initials: JZ
authors.lastname: Cerne
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Polonca
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ferk
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Human Reproduction, University of Zagreb Medical School, University of Zagreb Medical Centre, Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Velimir
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Simunic
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Ljubljana Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Ksenija
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gersak
keywords: glucose metabolism; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma; polycystic ovary syndrome; polymorphism; reproductive hormones