The association of Pro12Ala polymorphism in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma2 gene with the metabolic characteristics in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: The Pro12Ala polymorphism in the peroxisome Proliferator-activated receptor-gamma2 PPAR gamma 2) gene that account for metabolic dysfunction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain elusive. Aim: To explore the association between PPAR gamma 2 gene pro12ala polymorphism and the metabolic characteristics in Chinese women with PCOS. Methods: PPAR gamma 2 gene Pro12Ala polymorphism was assayed by PCR/RFLP methods in 120 Chinese women with PCOS and 118 normal subjects. All subjects were examined by anthropometry, lipid profile, sex hormone, oral glucose tolerance tests and insulin tolerance tests. Results: In PCOS patients, women with the non-Pro/Pro genotypes of the PPAR gamma 2 gene Pro12Ala polymorphism showed statistically significantly higher fasting triglycerides (TG) levels and WHR value than those with the Pro/Pro genotype (P=.006 for both). There was no significant difference with PPAR gamma 2 Pro12Ala polymorphism distributions between Chinese Han women with PCOS and controls. Conclusion: PPAR gamma 2 gene Pro12Ala polymorphism was not supposed to be susceptible genes in PCOS. However, in PCOS patients, the PPAR-gamma Pro12Ala polymorphism may modulate the concentrations of serum fasting TG levels and fat-deposition in abdomen, respectively.