Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most commonly diagnosed endocrinopathies in women of reproductive age and is associated with an increasing number of metabolic comorbidities. About 50% of PCOS patients are obese, while insulin resistance affect up to 70% of these women. The endocannabinoid system contributes to human energy homeostasis. CNR1 is a biological candidate for human obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the relationships between CNR1 polymorphisms (A4895G (rs806368); A1422G (rs1049353); rs806381; rs10485170; rs6454674; rs2023239) and anthropometric and metabolic parameters in PCOS women.

Material and methods: In total, 130 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria are recruited from the Endocrinology Department of the Medical University in Wroclaw, Poland. Medical history, physical examination, assessment of anthropometric parameters (body mass, height, waist and hip circumference, BMI, WHR), metabolic parameters (glucose and insulin, insulin resistance index – HOMA, lipidogram) were carried out in all subjects. Genetic studies to detect six CNR1 gene polymorphisms were assessed. In order to amplify the genetic material the PCR technique was used. To polymorphisms identification minisequencing was used. Reaction products were separated on Genetic Analyser ABI 3100. For statistical analysis ANOVA test was used.

Results: The total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in PCOS women carrying T/T genotype of rs2023239 CNR1 polymorphism were higher than in those with C/T and C/C (P=0.02807). There were no statistic differences in other metabolic parameters (glucose, insulin and HOMA levels) and also in value of BMI and WHR between the variants of rs2023239 CNR1 polymorphism. The other of studied polymorphisms of CNR1 gene were not associated with anthropometric and metabolic parameters in PCOS women.

Summary: On the basis of our study, it seems to CNR1 polymorphisms were not associated with obesity and metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance, in PCOS women.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.