Background: It was reported that steroid-related gene expressions in the adipose tissue (AT) of women differ between women affected with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (case) and non-PCOS (control). Although association between PCOS in mother and offspring’s health is a crucial issue, there are few studies focusing on effectiveness of AT profiles on steroids genes expression in pregnant women suffering from PCOS.
Objective: Our objectives were to assess association between fatty acid (FA) and genes related to steroids metabolism expression in abdominal subcutaneous AT of 12 PCOS (case) vs. 32 non-PCOS (control) age- and BMI-matched pregnant women.
Materials and Methods: Twelve pregnant women with PCOS (case) and thirty two non-PCOS pregnant women (control) (age- and BMI-matched) undergoing cesarean section were enrolled for the present study. Expressions of fifteen genes related to steriodogenesis in abdominal subcutaneous AT were investigated using quantitative real-time PCR. Fatty acids profiles assessed by gas chromatography. Linear regression was performed to determine the association of FA and gene expression in subcutaneous AT.
Results: Age and BMI were similar among two groups at delivery day. Current study showed that omega-3 fatty acids had the highest association with steroids gene expression rate (r = 0.500; p < 0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that fatty acids, both direct and by metabolites, can play a role in many diseases through extensive signaling pathways, specifically in exacerbating PCOS, although pregnancy can double the role of nutrition in exacerbating these effects.