Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder characterized by gonadotropin dysregulation, hyperandrogenism,
menstrual irregularity and ovarian morphology. The uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) gene is a member of the mitochondrial anion carrier
protein (MACP) and is strongly associated with insulin resistance and obesity. An attempt is made to detect the association between
PCOS and -866G/A polymorphism in UCP2 gene promoter. The study is carried on forty-seven patients with polycystic ovary
syndrome and fifty–six controls. Blood samples were taken for biochemical tests and restriction fragment length polymorphism
(RFLP) for detection of -866 G/A UCP2 gene polymorphisms. Significant associations between the -866A/A -866G/A of UCP2 gene
promotor and PCOS are reported including a significant association between -866A/A polymorphism of UCP2 and both obesity (high
BMI) and type 2 diabetes.

Key words: polycystic ovary syndrome; single nucleotide polymorphism; type 2 diabetes; obesity.