Abstract

Background: Studies have suggested that the Calpain-10 gene polymorphisms may play a role in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) susceptibility. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible association between three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the calpain-10 gene (UCSNPs -43, -19, and -63) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Chilean women. Methods: Fifty women with PCOS (28.8 ± 8.2 y) and 70 healthy women (28.6 ± 8.6 y) were included in this study. Serum lipids, hormonal status, fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin, HOMA IR, and uric acid levels were determined by conventional methods. The calpain-10 gene variants were detected by PCR and PCR-RFLP, respectively. Results: The presence of uncommon allele (A) for the UCSNP-43 was associated with increased risk of PCOS (odds ratio = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.11-3.34). The UCSNP-63 (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.59-2.11) and UCSNP-19 (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.55-1.57) were not associated to PCOS. However, the PCOS women carrying the CC genotype for UCSNP-63 exhibited higher values of total cholesterol and LDL-C (P < 0.05). Similarly, control women carrying the CC genotype showed higher serum levels of triglycerides, HDL-C and uric acid (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our data suggest the contribution of CAPN10 UCSNP-43 gene polymorphism to PCOS in Chilean women. However, further studies with larger samples are necessary to confirm this observation. © 2008.