DNA damage, DNA susceptibility to oxidation and glutathione level in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Recent studies have addressed the possibility of an association between polycystic ovaries and ovarian cancer. DNA damage is the first step of the carcinogenesis, and susceptibility to cancer, in general, is characterized by high DNA damage. Free radical-mediated DNA damage and impaired antioxidant defence have been implicated as contributory factors for the development of cancer. This study evaluates DNA damage (strand breakage, base oxidation, formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (Fpg) sensitive sites), H2O2-induced DNA damage, a marker of DNA susceptibility to oxidation and glutathione (GSH) level, a powerful antioxidant, in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS showed a significant decrease in GSH level, a significant increase in DNA strand breakage and H2O2-induced DNA damage. Although Fpg-sensitive sites were higher in the PCOS group compared to the control group, the difference did not reach a statistically significant level. Significant correlations were found between free testosterone and DNA strand breakage (r = 0.46, p<0.01) and free testosterone and H2O2-induced DNA damage (r = 0.41, p<0.05). The data indicate that DNA damage and susceptibility of DNA to oxidative stress are increased in women with PCOS and may explain the association between PCOS and ovarian cancer.

Ultra-structural Study by Transmission Electron Microscopy: Effect of Omega-3 on Ovary Cell Organelles after Experimental Induced Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome

“…This study could be used as an evidence for confirmation of recent studies about the omega-3 effect on ovary tissue (16). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) produced in cumulus oophorus cells is closely associated with oocyte maturation and also GPx and catalase are significant for reproduction health; moreover, GSH as a redox system exists in a large amount in the oocytes ,so according to this study, it seems that omega-3 may modulate the ROS effect by affecting on these anti-oxidative systems but it is necessary more studies to confirm this idea (12,17,18). Superoxide (O2 -), hydrogen preoxide (H2O2), and lipid peroxides are generated in luteal tissue during natural and prostaglandin-induced regression in the rat.…”

Oxidative Stress in Nonobese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Correlations with Endocrine and Screening Parameters

“…Oxidative stress is increased in diabetes and also in obesity [23,24] . Studies also demonstrated elevated oxidative stress in insulin-resistant women with PCOS [25][26][27] . Increased reactive oxygen species generation induced by hyperglycemia and/or hyperinsulinemia has been reported in this population [28,29] .…”

“…Increased reactive oxygen species generation induced by hyperglycemia and/or hyperinsulinemia has been reported in this population [28,29] . However, there were conflicting results about the levels of antioxidants in these studies [25][26][27] . Some investigators [26,27] found decreased levels of antioxidants, whereas others [25] have observed increased activities of some antioxidants as a compensatory mechanism in PCOS.…”

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome as Represented by Serum Ischemia Modified Albumin and Its Correlation with Testosterone and Insulin Resistance

“…It is an important cause of menstrual irregularities ranging from amenorrhea to menorrhagia, as well as androgen excess in women. PCOS is also considered to be an oxidative state, based on decreased antioxidant concentrations, reduced glutathione levels, as well as decreased levels of haptoglobin, a protein with antioxidant properties (2)(3)(4). In addition to an association with increased cardiovascular risk due to atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress is also associated with failed reproductive performance, including infertility, miscarriage, preeclampsia, and diabetes-related congenital malformations (5).…”