Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrinopathy, which etiology encompasses complex genetic traits associated with epigenetic factors, including differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression in a variety of tissues. The circulating form of these molecules is raising attention in the syndrome not only as potential biomarkers of PCOS but also as possible therapeutic targets. The aim of this study was to explore the circulating miRNA profiles present in a cohort of Brazilian women with and without PCOS and to evaluate the potential role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of the syndrome.
Methods: Cross-sectional study of 36 well-characterized PCOS women and 16 healthy controls. Clinical, hormone and metabolic data were recorded and evaluated. The expression profile of the 201 circulating miRNA selected were analyzed by taqman quantitative real time polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) using a customized Open Array platform. Statistical and bioinformatic analyzed were performed.
Results: Circulating miR-21-5p, miR-23a-3p and miR-26a-5p were upregulated, and miR-103a-3p, miR-376a-3p, miR-19b-3p and miR-222-3p were downregulated in women with PCOS compared to healthy normo-ovulatory controls. miR-21-5p, miR-103a-3p and miR-376a-3p levels correlated positively with androgen levels. These miRNAs, in combination, were related to pathways involved in insulin signaling, steroids biosynthesis and endothelial regulation as well as in folliculogenesis.
Conclusion: In this study, we identified a specific circulating miRNA signature in Brazilian women with PCOS. According to our data, circulating miR-21-5p, miR-23a-3p, miR-26a-5p, miR-103a-3p, miR-376a-3p, miR-19b-3p and miR-222-3p may represent potential candidates for differential diagnosis of PCOS in the future.