Genetic Susceptibility to Joint Occurrence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: How Far Is Our Understanding?

Front Immunol. 2021 Feb 26:12:606620. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.606620. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are endocrine disorders that commonly occur among young women. A higher prevalence of HT in women with PCOS, relative to healthy individuals, is observed consistently. Combined occurrence of both diseases is associated with a higher risk of severe metabolic and reproductive complications. Genetic factors strongly impact the pathogenesis of both PCOS and HT and several susceptibility loci associated with a higher risk of both disorders have been identified. Furthermore, some candidate gene polymorphisms are thought to be functionally relevant; however, few genetic variants are proposed to be causally associated with the incidence of both disorders together.

Keywords: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; association studies; autoimmune thyroid disease; genetic variants; polycystic ovary syndrome; susceptibility loci.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Autoimmune Diseases / epidemiology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / etiology
  • Autoimmunity / genetics
  • Female
  • Genetic Association Studies / methods
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Genotype
  • Hashimoto Disease / epidemiology*
  • Hashimoto Disease / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / etiology*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Prevalence