Objective:
MicroRNAs (
miRNAs) are gene expression regulators. Altered
miRNA levels are associated with diabetes,
insulin resistance, and
inflammation.
Insulin resistance and
inflammation are both features of
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was first to assess differences in selected
miRNAs (miR-146a, miR-155, miR-320, miR-370, miR-486), involved in
insulin sensitivity regulation and
inflammation, in women with or without PCOS. Second, to investigate relationships among these
miRNAs,
insulin, High mobility group box 1 (
HMGB1), and
IL-6 in follicular fluid (FF), serum 17-beta
estradiol (E2), and the number of dominant follicles. Methods: Thirty PCOS and thirty-six non-PCOS women undergoing in vitro fertilization were enrolled.
RNA from granulosa cells (GC) and FF was extracted and the specific
miRNAs were evaluated using qRT-PCR.
HMGB1,
insulin, and
IL-6 in FF, and serum E2 were assayed using specific kits. Results: MiR-146a, miR-155, miR-486 were upregulated and miR-320 and miR-370 were downregulated in GC from the PCOS patients. In FF, miR-146a, miR-155, and miR-486 showed lower levels in PCOS, whereas miR-320 and miR-370 showed an opposite trend but no significant changes were observed. These
miRNAs showed relationships with Body Mass Index (BMI), age, E2, number of dominant follicles,
insulin, and
HMGB1. Conclusion: In conclusion, the
miRNAs analyzed showed changes in PCOS ovaries and had relationships with indices of
inflammation and
insulin sensitivity within the ovary, providing evidence for new regulatory mechanisms.