BMC Medical Genetics (Aug 2018)

Preliminary study showing no association between G238A (rs361525) tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene polymorphism and its serum level, hormonal and biochemical aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome

  • Fahimeh Kordestani,
  • Sahar Mazloomi,
  • Yousef Mortazavi,
  • Saeideh Mazloomzadeh,
  • Mojtaba Fathi,
  • Haleh Rahmanpour,
  • Abolfazl Nazarian

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12881-018-0662-1
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Abstract Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the main cause of female infertility. Interactions among genetic, biochemical, and immunological factors can affect the pathogenesis of PCOS. As a proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays an important role in this regard. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of the rs361525 gene single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and TNF-α serum levels with the hormonal and biochemical characteristics of PCOS in Iranian individuals. Methods The SNP rs361525 in the TNF-α gene was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in a total of 111 PCOS patients and 105 healthy females. Serum levels of TNF-α, lipid and hormone profiles, and biochemical factors were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and calorimetric methods, as appropriate. Results The TNF-α serum level was higher in women with PCOS compared with the control group (p 0.05). Higher levels and significant differences were found for the HOMA factor, luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone (LH/FSH), testosterone, and body mass index (BMI) in the PCOS group compared with the control group (p < 0.0001). High LH/FSH ratios (odds ratio [OR] = 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20–3.28, p < 0.01), and high HOMA factor (OR = 5.04, 95% CI = 2.82–9.01, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with an increased risk of PCOS. Conclusions Despite the lack of significant difference between rs361525 polymorphism of the TNF-α gene and PCOS, the serum level of TNF-α was increased in PCOS patients and positively correlated with the HOMA factor. Elevation of the LH/FSH ratio and HOMA for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) increased the risk of PCOS. Therefore, TNF-α could indirectly contribute to PCOS progression.

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