Selected microRNAs as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hyperandrogenic disorder in reproductive age women. Identifying new biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring the disease. MiRNAs correlate with PCOS-related comorbidities, suggesting their potential as biomarkers. This study examined plasma concentrations of miR-451a, miR-15a-5p, miR-320-5p, miR-28-5p, miR-103a-5p, and miR-194-5p in adolescents with PCOS, healthy controls, and hyperandrogenic controls without PCOS. Correlations between microRNA levels and PCOS features were analyzed. Methods: Data on auxological, physical, metabolic, and hormonal parameters were collected from study groups. MiRNAs were extracted from plasma. Expression levels were measured by qPCR and calculated using the 2−∆∆Ct method. Results: Significant elevations in plasma levels of miR-15a-5p, miR-320-5p, miR-103a-5p, and miR-194-5p were observed in PCOS patients. Optimal threshold values for plasma miR-320-5p and miR-103a-5p effectively differentiated PCOS patients from healthy subjects, achieving 100% specificity and 76% sensitivity. In patients, expression of the four miRNAs showed significant positive correlations with some anthropometric and clinical parameters: miR-320-5p with systolic blood pressure, miR-103a-5p with CRP levels, miR-15a-5p with systolic blood pressure and CRP, and miR-194-5p with weight, waist circumference, and CRP. Conclusions: Among the investigated miRNAs, miR-320-5p and miR-103a-5p exhibited the most favorable diagnostic performance for PCOS.