DNA methylation of the androgen receptor gene promoter in the granulosa cells of polycystic ovary syndrome patients

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder in women that is characterized by hyperandrogenism. The androgen effect is mediated by the androgen receptor (AR) expression levels. Epigenetic mechanisms that regulate AR expression and its activities in granulosa cells in the ovaries may promote the progression of PCOS. The aim of this study was to determine the DNA methylation status of the AR gene promoter in the granulosa cells of PCOS patients. In this cross-sectional study, the degree of DNA methylation of the AR promoter in granulosa cells obtained from 10 women who underwent PCOS was compared to that of eight women without PCOS as controls. DNA from the samples was isolated and sodium bisulfite-converted. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) was used to amplify the DNA. The MSP products were subjected to gel electrophoresis. The band intensities of the samples and positive controls were measured using ImageJ software. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent t-test with significance at P < 0.05. The DNA methylation level of the AR gene promoter was lower in women with PCOS, as compared with the controls (P = 0.01). The AR promoter was hypomethylated in the granulosa cells of PCOS patients, which may increase AR levels leading to hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS.