Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Clinical, Biochemical, and Molecular Genetic Study

September 2014 in “ Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers ”

Sujatha Thathapudi, Vijayalakshmi Kodati, Jayashankar Erukkambattu, Anuradha Katragadda, Uma Addepally, Qurratulain Hasan

Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha TNF-α insulin resistance obesity Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS hyperandrogenism C850T polymorphism homeostatic model assessment HOMA score TNF-alpha

TLDR High levels of TNF-α may contribute to obesity and insulin resistance in PCOS, but not due to the C850T genetic variation.

The study from 2014 examined the involvement of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the development of insulin resistance and obesity in 204 patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) compared to 204 healthy controls. Results showed that PCOS patients had significantly higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) score, and serum TNF-α levels. However, the C850T (rs1799724) polymorphism in the TNF-α gene was not found in the PCOS group, while it had a 9% frequency in the control group. The study concluded that the TNF-α system might play a role in the pathogenesis of hyperandrogenism, obesity, and insulin resistance in PCOS, but this is independent of the C850T polymorphism in the population studied.

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research The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Criteria for the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Complete Task Force Report

1540 citations , February 2009 in “Fertility and Sterility”

The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.

research Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

1744 citations , November 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.

research Definitions, Prevalence, and Symptoms of Polycystic Ovaries and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

278 citations , October 2004 in “Best Practice & Research in Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology”

Polycystic ovaries are defined by having 12 or more small follicles in each ovary and are found in up to 33% of women, while Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormone disorder in women of reproductive age, potentially increasing risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases.

research Androgen Excess in Women: Experience with Over 1000 Consecutive Patients

947 citations , February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Most women with excess male hormones have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal therapy can improve symptoms but may cause side effects.