Diabetes Metab J.  2014 Aug;38(4):302-310. 10.4093/dmj.2014.38.4.302.

FTO Gene Variants Are Associated with PCOS Susceptibility and Hyperandrogenemia in Young Korean Women

• Song DK
• Lee H
• Oh JY
• Hong YS
• Sung YA

• KMID: 2174107
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2014.38.4.302

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Obesity and insulin resistance are also common features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Therefore, the FTO gene might be a candidate gene for PCOS susceptibility. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of FTO gene variants on PCOS susceptibility and metabolic and reproductive hormonal parameters.
METHODS
We recruited 432 women with PCOS (24+/-5 years) and 927 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles (27+/-5 years) and performed a case-control association study. We genotyped the single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1421085, rs17817449, and rs8050136 in the FTO gene and collected metabolic and hormonal measurements.
RESULTS
Logistic regression revealed that the G/G genotype (rs1421085, 1.6%), the C/C genotype (rs17817449, 1.6%), and the A/A genotype (rs8050136, 1.6%) were strongly associated with an increased risk of PCOS (odds ratio, 2.551 to 2.559; all P<0.05). The strengths of these associations were attenuated after adjusting for age and BMI. The women with these genotypes were more obese and exhibited higher free androgen indices (P<0.05) and higher free testosterone levels (P=0.053 to 0.063) compared to the other genotypes. However the significant differences disappeared after adjusting for body mass index (BMI). When we analyzed the women with PCOS and the control groups separately, there were no significant differences in the metabolic and reproductive hormonal parameters according to the FTO gene variants.
CONCLUSION
The rs1421085, rs17817449, and rs8050136 variants of the FTO gene were associated with PCOS susceptibility and hyperandrogenemia in young Korean women. These associations may be mediated through an effect of BMI.

Keyword

FTO; Hyperandrogenism; Polycystic ovary syndrome

MeSH Terms

Body Mass Index
Case-Control Studies
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Female
Genotype
Humans
Hyperandrogenism
Insulin Resistance
Logistic Models
Menstrual Cycle
Obesity
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
Testosterone
Testosterone

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