The aim of the study was to examine the frequency and relationship of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ and PPAR-δ gene polymorphisms to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) characteristics. We conducted a case-control study protocol, which included 183 PCOS women and 148 healthy volunteers. Genetic, clinical, hormonal, and metabolic characteristics of PCOS patients and controls were estimated and compared. Genotype and allele frequencies did not differ significantly. The Pro(12) Ala polymorphism in exon 2 of the PPAR-γ gene was found in low frequency. Regarding the polymorphism in exon 6, the T-allele carrier PCOS women had significantly lower total testosterone levels. Regarding the +294T/C polymorphism in the exon 4 of the PPAR-δ gene, the C-allele carrier PCOS women had significantly higher fasting glucose levels. In conclusion, the PPAR-γ gene polymorphisms do not appear to affect the risk for PCOS, except for the reduced testosterone levels. The +294T/C polymorphism in the exon 4 of the PPAR-δ gene seems to cause an increase in fasting glucose levels.
© 2010 New York Academy of Sciences.