Relationship between abnormal TOX3 gene methylation and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this work was to examine the relationship between abnormal TOX3 gene methylation and the occurrence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We selected 30 patients with PCOS and 30 control volunteers. Serum luteinizing hormone, estradiol, testosterone, and thyroid stimulating hormone were detected, methylation, mRNA and protein level of TOX3 were measured.

RESULTS

Serum luteinizing hormone, estradiol, testosterone, and thyroid stimulating hormone were significantly higher and follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin were significantly lower in PCOS patients than in the control group. Methylation of the promoter of TOX3 in serum and granular cells was significantly lower in PCOS than in the control group. The mRNA levels of TOX3 in serum were lower in the PCOS group. The levels of TOX3 protein in serum and granular cells was significantly lower in PCOS group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, abnormal TOX3 methylation possibly resulting in changes in TOX3 protein expression is closely related to the occurrence of PCOS and may play a role the development of the pathology.