The Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPAR-gamma gene is not associated with the polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance is a key factor in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Peroxisome proliferator-activated- receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) has been implicated in insulin resistance and adiposity. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible involvement of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPAR-gamma gene in the pathogenesis of PCOS.

DESIGN: We studied 180 women with PCOS and 140 healthy controls. Body mass index (BMI) was recorded. Blood samples were drawn after overnight fasting and serum glucose, insulin, lipid and hormonal profiles were determined. The fasting glucose/insulin ratio and HOMA index were calculated. Moreover, 100 women with PCOS underwent a 75g oral glucose tolerance test and the area under the curve for insulin and glucose was estimated. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes and the Pro12Ala polymorphism was genotyped.

RESULTS: The PPAR-gamma genotypes were found to be in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both study groups. No difference was found in the distribution of the Pro12Ala polymorphism between PCOS and controls. Insulin resistance indices and lipid and hormonal profile were not different among the various genotypes of the Pro12Ala polymorphism.

CONCLUSIONS: The Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPAR-gamma gene is not involved in the pathogenesis or the phenotypic expression of PCOS.