The Novelty of miRNAs as a Clinical Biomarker for the Management of PCOS

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects around 5–10% of women of reproductive age. The aetiology of PCOS is not fully understood with various genetics, iatrogenic (e.g. chemotherapy) and environmental factors have been proposed. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding single-stranded RNAs which are known to act as a regulator to gene expression at the post-transcriptional levels. Altered expression of miRNAs has been linked to several disorders including infertility. Recent reports demonstrated the expression of differential levels of miRNAs in the serum, ovarian follicular cells and follicular fluid of PCOS patients when compared with healthy women. Therefore, miRNAs may play important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. The aim of this chapter is to summarise the current understanding pertaining to miRNAs and PCOS and to expedite its possible role in the diagnosis and management of this disorder.