Weight Changes Are Linked to Adipose Tissue Genes in Overweight Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

This study investigated the role of baseline subcutaneous adipose tissue gene expression in predicting weight loss among 55 overweight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing lifestyle intervention. Participants were randomized to either a 4-month behavioral modification program or minimal intervention. Significant weight loss was observed in the behavioral modification group (-2.2%, p = 0.0014) compared to the control group (-1.1%, p = 0.12). Microarray analysis identified 40 genes with differential expression linked to weight changes, with 10 involved in key metabolic pathways. Notably, the expression of genes GSTM5, ANLN, and H3C2 correlated with weight change, with GSTM5 being the strongest predictor, explaining 31% of the variation in weight change when combined with baseline waist-hip ratio. The findings suggest that specific adipose tissue genes influence weight loss outcomes in women with PCOS.