Effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), sex hormones, and obesity on circulating miRNA-21, miRNA-27b, miRNA-103, and miRNA-155 expression

Abstract

Context: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNA sequences that negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. miRNA-21, miRNA-27b, miRNA-103, and miRNA-155 have been associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes, which are also associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effects of sex, sex hormones, and PCOS and their interactions with obesity on the expression in the circulation of these miRNAs. Design: This was a case-control study. Settings: The setting was an academic hospital. Participants:Weincluded 12 controlwomen,12 patients with PCOS, and 12menselected as to have similar body mass index (BMI) and age. Six subjects per group had normal weight (BMI<25 kg/m2), and six subjects per group were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2). Interventions: Blood samples were collected early in the morning after a 12-hour fast. Main Outcome Measures: We measured whole blood expression of miRNA-21, miRNA-27b, miRNA-103, and miRNA-155. Results: Obesity significantly reduced the expression of miRNA-21, miRNA-27b, and miRNA-103. However, there was a significant interaction between obesity and the group of subjects in the expression of miRNA-21, miRNA-27b, miRNA-103, and miRNA-155 consisting of obesity reducing the expression of thesemiRNAsin controlwomanandmen,but tending to increase their expression in women with PCOS. These differences paralleled those observed in serum T concentrations. Conclusions: The present results suggest that miRNAs that play an important role in metabolic and immune system processes are influenced by obesity and circulating androgen concentrations. Copyright © 2013 by The Endocrine Society.