Objective: To explore the gene differential expression pattern of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Methods: We carried out microarray analysis to define the gene networks by the PCOS granulosa cells in order to identify differentially expressed genes in PCOS patients. These granulosa cells of five PCOS cases and five control cases which were derived during oocyte retrieval from women undergoing IVF.
Results: As compared with control human ovarian granulosa cells, 46 genes were screened out, 25 genes were up-regulated, and 21 genes were down-regulated in PCOS. These differentially expressed genes were involved in various biologic functions, such as regulation of fatty acid metabolism, cell-cell signal transduction, immune and inflammatory response, reflecting the complexity of clinical manifestations of PCOS.
Conclusion: Microarray analysis technology is an effective method to identify novel PCOS associated candidate genes.