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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2013; 121(06): 338-342
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1337941
Article
© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Lack of Association between C385A Functional Polymorphism of the Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Gene and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

V. K. Grolmusz
3   2nd Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
,
B. Stenczer
2   1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
,
T. Fekete
2   1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
,
G. Szendei
2   1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
,
A. Patócs
3   2nd Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
,
K. Rácz
3   2nd Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
,
P. Reismann
1   Semmelweis Univ., Budapest, Hungary
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 30 October 2012
first decision 30 January 2013

accepted 19 February 2013

Publication Date:
24 April 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Introduction:

The endocannabinoid system contributes to the regulation of appetite, food intake and energy balance. Fatty acid amide hydrolase is responsible for degradating anandamide, a key messenger of the endocannabinoid system. C385A is a common, functionally active genetic polymorphism of the gene encoding fatty acid amide hydrolase and has been associated with overweight and obesity. Our aim was to establish whether single nucleotide polymorphism C385A has an association with polycystic ovary syndrome or its clinical features.

Materials and Methods:

A monocentric pilot study was performed on 63 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and 67 healthy control subjects. Anthropometric parameters and laboratory data were acquired from subjects. The alleles of the polymorphism were detected using polymerase chain reaction and subsequent cleavage by Eco130I (StyI) restriction endonuclease verified by direct DNA sequencing.

Results:

No difference was found in minor allele frequency between patient and control groups. Those patients, carrying the C385A polymorphism were associated with higher free thyroxine hormone levels. In the control group, carriers of the polymorphism had significantly lower insulin levels.

Discussion and Conclusions:

Our data indicate that the C385A polymorphism of the fatty acid amide hydrolase gene is not a genetic susceptibility factor for the development of polycystic ovary syndrome. However, the polymorphism might have a role in influencing the synthesis or metabolism of different hormones including thyroxin and insulin.

Key words

FAAH - PCOS - endocannabinoid system - SNP
 

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