Role of TNF α in the etiopathogenesis of PCOS: a clinical, biochemical and molecular genetic study

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine conditions affecting women of reproductive age with a prevalence of approximately 5-10 % worldwide. PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism, irregular menstrual cycles, polycystic ovaries, insulin resistance, obesity particularly abdominal phenotype. We evaluated the role of TNF alpha in PCOS patients and compared to age matched healthy controls. Methods: 204 women clinically diagnosed with PCOS and 204 healthy women controls in the age group of 17 to 35 years were evaluated. PCOS were subdiveded into Obese and lean based on BMI (< 25 or less than or equal to > greater than or equal to 25 kg/m super(2)). Clinical, biochemical characteristics of PCOS and molecular study of TNF alpha gene C850T polymorphism were studied. Results: Significant differences were observed in PCOS phenotypes and controls. All the PCOS including subtypes had elevated WC, W/H, Fasting Insulin, HOMA-IR, LH, LH/FSH, TG, and decreased HDL than Controls (P