Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes are not major risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects 5-8% of reproductive age women. The primary features of PCOS are hyperandrogenemia, chronic anovulation and infertility. It has been suggested that defects in ovarian steroid metabolism contribute to the follicular growth arrest and abnormal production of ovarian steroid hormones that are characteristic of PCOS. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME) is formed by the action of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) on 2-hydroxyestradiol. COMT expression is increased in the follicles and ovarian stroma of women with PCOS. Moreover, 2-ME decreases granulosa cell proliferation and steroidogenesis, raising the possibility that ovarian dysfunction associated with PCOS is due, in part, to increased synthesis of 2-ME resulting from increased

SUBMITTER: Hill LD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3264817 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature