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Androgen receptor gene polymorphism and polycystic ovary syndrome
Author(s) -
Lin Lawrence H.,
Baracat Maria C.P.,
Maciel Gustavo A.R.,
Soares José M.,
Baracat Edmund C.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2012.08.016
Subject(s) - polycystic ovary , hyperandrogenism , medicine , androgen receptor , meta analysis , polymorphism (computer science) , odds ratio , androgen , genotype , endocrinology , bioinformatics , genetics , gene , biology , hormone , prostate cancer , insulin resistance , cancer , insulin
Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism. Its etiopathology is not well understood but genetic factors seem to have a role. Polymorphism of the androgen receptor (AR) gene has been associated with different androgen pattern diseases. Objective To review the association between AR gene polymorphism and PCOS. Search strategy A systematic review was performed via PUBMED, EMBASE, and LILACS (up to May 31, 2011). Selection criteria Studies assessing the presence of the (CAG) n polymorphism of the AR gene in at least 2 comparison groups (PCOS and control). Studies that did not contain adequate information were excluded. Data collection and analysis Study characteristics and results were analyzed. Meta‐analysis could not be performed because only 2 articles provided odds ratios. Main results Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Three studies reported a correlation between the polymorphism and PCOS; 2 studies linked the disorder to shorter repeats, whereas the other associated it with longer repeats. Conclusion Polymorphism of the AR gene seems to be a promising biomarker for PCOS because shorter repeats may be linked to the disorder. However, further studies are needed to understand the association fully.