Comparison of serum levels of IL-10 and IL-11 and mRNA expression of IL-10, IL-11, COX-2, BCL6, and ZEB Family in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of women with polycystic ovary syndrome and healthy individuals

Background: The roles of IL -10, IL -11, COX -2, BCL6, ZEB1, and ZEB2 genes in the potential correlation between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), inflammation, and cancer remain controversial. Aims: This study aimed to compare serum levels of IL -10 and IL -11 and gene expression of IL -10, IL -11, COX -2, BCL6, ZEB1, and ZEB2 in PBMCs of women with PCOS and healthy controls. Methods: A case-control study included 40 women with PCOS as the case group and 40 healthy women as controls. Group matching for age and BMI was performed. Serum levels of IL -10 and IL -11 were assessed using ELISA, while gene expression was measured using real -time PCR. Parameters were compared between groups, and correlations among gene expression and serum levels were explored. Results: In comparison to healthy women, women with PCOS exhibited a significant decrease in the expression of COX -2 and IL -10 genes (p<0.001), alongside a significant increase in ZEB2 gene expression (p<0.001). There were no significant differences observed in the expression of IL -11, BCL6, and ZEB1 genes. Furthermore, the serum level of IL -10 was significantly lower in women with PCOS compared to the control group (p<0.001), while no significant difference was found in IL -11 levels. Additionally, no significant correlations were identified between gene expression and serum levels. Conclusion: In women with PCOS, reduced IL -10 gene expression may indicate inflammation and serve as a diagnostic biomarker. However, conflicting findings on COX -2 expression complicate understanding. Elevated ZEB2 expression in PCOS women may lead to infertility, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and aggressive phenotypes.