ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the association between rs3179060C/A polymorphism in the ex-on 1 of TNF-a gene and hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods One hundred thirty PCOS women and one hundred seventy five normal women as controls were enrolled in this study. The genotypes were screened by polymerase chain reaction-On/off switch and the product was isolated by e-lectrophoresis on a 2. 5% agarose gel containing ethidium bromide and visualized using an ultraviolet transil-luminator. The relationship of TNF-a alleles to serum testosterone level was analyzed in PCOS patients. Results Three genotypes were identified, corresponding to CC, CA, AA, and two alleles were screened, corresponding to C and A. The frequencies of the CC, CA, AA genotypes were 58. 4% ,23.1% ,18.5% vs. 72. 0% , 17.7% , 10. 3% in PCOS group and control group, showing statistically significant difference between two groups( P < 0.05 ). The allelic frequency was 70.0% for the C allele and 30.0% for the A in P-COS group, and 80. 9% for the C allele and 19. 1% for the A in control group, respectively, showing statistically significant between two groups ( P <0.05). The relationship was not observed between rs3179060C/ A polymorphism and serum testosterone level in PCOS patients in Han Chinese racial origin ( P >0.05). Conclusions The TNF-a gene rs3179060C/A polymorphism may be a risk factor for the pathogenesis of P-COS in Chinese women, but it was not effect on hyperandrogenism in PCOS women.