Association of -675 4G/5G PAI-1 and -2518A/G MCP-1 genetic polymorphisms with polycystic ovary syndrome in Kashmiri women: A case control study.

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent endocrine disorder among females of fertile age. It has been speculated to be associated with low-grade chronic inflammation like other inflammatory response-driven multifactorial illnesses such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and cancer. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) are biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, respectively. These have been found to be elevated in PCOS patients. The current research reveals that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in their genes are strongly associated with the elevation of these biomarkers. The goal of this study was to see if there was a link between PAI-1 -675 4G/5G and MCP-1 -2518 A/G polymorphisms with the occurrence of PCOS. Material and Method: This study included 220 PCOS participants and 220 healthy controls. The allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods were used to investigate PAI-1-675 4G/5G and MCP-1 -2518A/G SNPs, respectively. Results: The -675 4G/5G SNP in the PAI-1 gene was strongly linked to PCOS. The odds ratio (OR) for the 4G/4G genotype was (OR = 3.2; P = 0.001), whereas the OR for the 4G/5G genotype was (OR = 2.39; P = 0.001). The carriers with the 4G/4G and 4G/5G genotypes showed significantly increasing trends in the triglyceride levels (P < 0.05). The genotypic frequency of the -2518 A/G MCP-1 SNP differed significantly between the PCOS patients and healthy controls; the GG genotype remained a strong predictor of PCOS (OR = 8.7; P = 0.01) and the AG genotype (OR = 2.40; P = 0.01), indicating an elevated risk of predisposing women to PCOS. There was a significant variation in the glucose 2-h levels between -2518A/G MCP-1 genotypes with AG heterozygous and GG mutant genotype showing increasing trends of glucose 2-h levels (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Both PAI-1 -675 4G/5G and MCP-1 -2518A/G polymorphisms are associated with predisposition to PCOS and its complications in Kashmiri women.

Evaluation of biomarkers, genetic mutations, and epigenetic modifications in early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignancies with an alarming mortality rate. Despite significant advancement in diagnostics and therapeutics, early diagnosis remains elusive causing poor prognosis, marred by mutations and epigenetic modifications in key genes which contribute to disease progression. AIM: To evaluate the various biological tumor markers collectively for early diagnosis which could act as prognostic biomarkers and helps in future therapeutics of PC in Kashmir valley. METHODS: A total of 50 confirmed PC cases were included in the study to evaluate the levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), tissue polypeptide specific antigen (TPS), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Mutational analysis was performed to evaluate the mutations in Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS), Breast cancer type 2 (BRCA-2), and deleted in pancreatic cancer-4 (DPC-4) genes. However, epigenetic modifications (methylation of CpG islands) were performed in the promoter regions of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16; CDKN2A), MutL homolog 1 (hMLH1), and Ras association domain-containing protein 1(RASSF1A) genes. RESULTS: We found significantly elevated levels of biological markers CA 19-9 (P ≤ 0.05), TPS (P ≤ 0.05), CEA (P ≤ 0.001), and VEGF (P ≤ 0.001). Molecular genetic analysis revealed that KRAS gene mutation is predominant in codon 12 (16 subjects, P ≤ 0.05), and 13 (12 subjects, P ≤ 0.05). However, we did not find a mutation in DPC-4 (1203G > T) and BRCA-2 (617delT) genes. Furthermore, epigenetic modification revealed that CpG methylation in 21 (P ≤ 0.05) and 4 subjects in the promoter regions of the p16 and hMLH1 gene, respectively. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, CA 19-9, TPS, CEA, and VEGF levels were significantly elevated and collectively have potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers in PC. Global data of mutation in the KRAS gene commonly in codon 12 and rare in codon 13 could augment the predisposition towards PC. Additionally, methylation of the p16 gene could also modulate transcription of genes thereby increasing the predisposition and susceptibility towards PC.

Endocrine disrupting chemical Bisphenol A and its potential effects on female health.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: A large number of chemical compounds with endocrine-disrupting activity have been documented. These chemicals are ubiquitous and widely used in many products of our daily lives. Bisphenol A (BPA) is among the most common Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC) that has been used for many years in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. There is growing evidence that exposure to these EDCs poses a possible health risk. This review focuses on the effect of EDCs, in particular, BPA on female reproduction and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is the most prevalent endocrine disorder of reproductively aged women. METHODS: A relevant literature survey was conducted with Google scholar and Pubmed using several appropriate keywords to select the most relevant studies evaluating the role of endocrine disrupting-chemicals in female reproduction. RESULTS: The female menstrual cycle and fertility are very sensitive to hormonal imbalance and alteration in endocrine function during critical times and different stages of lifecycle owing to EDC exposure results in many abnormalities like menstrual irregularities, impaired fertility, PCOS, and Endometriosis among others. BPA is the most extensively studied EDC worldwide and has been strongly associated with female reproductive health. CONCLUSION: EDCs lead to deleterious effects on human health including reproductive health which are of global concern. Exposure to EDCs in early life can elicit disease in adult life and maybe even transgenerational. There is an immediate need to minimize the ill effect of EDCs which can be tackled through the collection of more data to clarify the clinical implications of EDCs.

Assessment of PON1 activity and circulating TF levels in relation to BMI, testosterone, HOMA-IR, HDL-C, LDL-C, CHO, SOD activity and TAC in women with PCOS: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrinopathy among premenopausal women associated with hyperandrogenism, obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and inflammation. Oxidative stress is an important component of cardio-metabolic risk seen in PCOS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 95 women with PCOS and 95 healthy controls were included in this observational study. Serum PON1 activity and stress markers were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Circulating TF level was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: We found decreased PON1 activity and increased TF levels in women with PCOS compared to healthy controls. Fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, testosterone, LDL-C, MDA, PC and SOD activity were significantly increased whereas FGIR, QUICKI, HDLC, CAT and TAC were significantly decreased in PCOS women than controls. We observed a positive association of PON1 activity with FGIR, QUICKI, HDL-C and TAC, and its negative association was observed with LH, testosterone, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in PCOS women. We further observed a positive association of TF with waist, waist to hip ratio, BMI, glucose 1hr, cholesterol, LDL-C, SGPT, uric acid and SOD activity in PCOS women. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased PON1 activity and raised circulating TF levels are respective indicators of pro-inflammatory and procoagulant status in PCOS women. The imbalanced oxidant/antioxidant status further supports the evidences that PCOS is an oxidant state. Further, the association of PON1 activity and TF levels with the clinical, laboratory findings and stress marker levels suggest that these factors taken together are involved in aggravating the pro-inflammatory status in PCOS women.

Oral contraceptive use increases risk of inflammatory and coagulatory disorders in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: An observational study.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multispectral disorder requiring lifelong management. Its pathophysiology is still being explored which makes its treatment options restrained. Present study explores impact of oral contraceptive mode of treatment on metabolic, hormonal, inflammation and coagulation profile of PCOS women. 50 subjects diagnosed with Rotterdam criteria receiving no drug treatment served as controls whereas 50 subjects receiving only OCPs (Ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg, Levonorgestrel 0.15 mg) as a mode of treatment at least for six-months served as cases. Ferriman-Gallwey score and hormonal profile improved on OCP treatment. However, parameters like weight, Body mass index, waist-hip ratio, Oral glucose tolerance test, lipid profile, insulin, HOMA-IR, adiponectin, interleukin1ß, visfatin, resistin, tissue factor, PT and APTT showed considerable derangements in OCP group. All above parameters are associated with the risk of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, coronary vascular disease, cancers, hypercoagulable state, venous thromboembolism and thrombotic events. Long-term use of OCPs needs to be considered carefully for PCOS patients who are already burdened with associated risk factors. This study was conducted in a region where women do not have much access to high-end screening and diagnostic facilities that further exacerbates their clinical outcomes. Large scale, long-term studies need to be designed to further evaluate safety use of OCPs in PCOS women.

Evaluation of antioxidant defense markers in relation to hormonal and insulin parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A case-control study.

AIM: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a composite heterogeneous condition with multifactorial etiology like genetic, environmental factors and oxidative stress. The exact pro-oxidant and antioxidant status in PCOS patients has not yet been fully established. We designed prospective study aimed to explore the association of PCOS and oxidative stress and examine the relationship of oxidative stress biomarkers with insulin parameters. METHODS: Two groups were included: study group including 85 women with PCOS and control group of 85 healthy volunteers. Biochemical, Hormonal and insulin parameters were measured. Vitamin C, vitamin E, nitric oxide and activities of antioxidant enzymes were estimated using spectrophotometric methods. RESULTS: Subjects with PCOS had poor antioxidant status as reflected by significantly low levels of glutathione, vitamin C & E and considerably increased activities of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione transferase as compared to those without PCOS. At the same time insulin levels were found to be significantly high and a positive correlation between oxidative stress and insulin parameters was observed in PCOS. CONCLUSION: Low levels of antioxidants and increased oxidative stress with insulin resistance along with the observed correlation between these parameters suggest that women with PCOS are under oxidative stress which supports the concept that oxidative stress is involved in PCOS pathophysiology. Thus oxidative stress could be a contributory factor to future cardiovascular disease risk in these women in addition to known features like dyslipidemia, central obesity, etc.