Serum retinol-binding protein 4 levels in polycystic ovary syndrome

Evaluating the clinical significance of RBP4, PAI-1, and some trace elements in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

To assess and compare clinical, hormonal, and metabolic factors with blood levels of RBP4, PAI-1, and trace elements in women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). A cross-sectional clinical investigation was undertaken. From December 2020 until January 2022, samples were taken at the Basrah Hospital for Obstetrics and Children's infertility center. Significant changes (p< 0.05) were in HOMA-IR, E2 and Ts. Levels of PAI-1, RBP4, AMH, LH, LH/FSH, PRL and Cu were significantly (p<0.01) increased, and levels of Se, Zn, Mg and E2/T were significantly (p<0.01) decreased, between the patient (1o PCOS and 2o PCOS) and control groups, the QUICKI level did not differ significantly (p>0.05). Compared to the control group, FSH levels were especially (p<0.05) higher in non-obese PCOS patients and lower in obese PCOS patients. Area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) results indicate RBP4 and PAI-1 may be more effective predictors biomarkers for PCOS in expectant women. While trace elements might be considered a protective factor in the emergence of PCOS, metabolic abnormalities and IR in PCOS-affected individuals are associated with the levels of RBP4 and PAI-1, which appear to be a more acceptable diagnostic marker in the early prediction of PCOS. Keywords: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, RBP4, PAI-1, Trace elements.

Transcriptomic screening to identify hub genes and drug signatures for PCOS based on RNA-Seq data in granulosa cells

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most incident reproductive diseases, and remains the main cause of female infertility. Granulosa cells play a critical role in normal follicle development and steroid hormones synthesis. In spite of extensive research, no sole medication has been approved by FDA to treat PCOS. This study aimed to investigate the novel therapeutics targets in PCOS, focusing on granulosa cells transcriptome functional analysis with a drug repositioning approach.

METHODS

PCOS microarray and RNA-Seq datasets in granulosa cells were screened and reanalyzed. KEGG pathway enrichment and interaction network analyses were performed and followed by a set of drug signature screening and Poly-pharmacology survey.

RESULTS

545 deregulated genes were identified via filters including p_adj < 0.05 and |log2FC| > 1. Amongst the top 15 KEGG pathways significantly enriched, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, steroid hormone biosynthesis and ovarian steroidogenesis were observed. The Protein-Protein Interaction network identified 18 hub genes amongst this set. Interestingly, most candidate drug signatures have been introduced by databases are either FDA approved or entered into clinical trials, including melatonin, resveratrol and raloxifene. Investigational or experimental introduced drugs obey rules of drug-likeness with almost safe and acceptable ADMET properties. Notably, 21 top target genes of the final drug set were also included in the granulosa significant differentially expressed genes.

CONCLUSION

Results of the current study represent approved, investigational and experimental drug signatures according to the differentially expressed genes in granulosa cells with supported literature reviews. This data might be useful for researchers and clinicians to pave the way for better management of PCOS.

Remnant Cholesterol Predicts Long-term Mortality of Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease

CONTEXT

Elevated serum remnant cholesterol independently predicts risks of cardiovascular diseases. However, the association between remnant cholesterol and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the association of remnant cholesterol with MAFLD and its long-term mortality.

METHODS

We extracted data from the NHANES III, 1988 to1994 and the linked mortality data until December 31, 2015. The association between remnant cholesterol and MAFLD was analyzed by multivariable logistic regression. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to assess whether elevated remnant cholesterol increased all-cause and cause-specific mortalities in MAFLD patients.

RESULTS

At baseline, 28.6% (1474/5156) of participants had MAFLD. In multivariable logistic regression, the fourth quartile of remnant cholesterol was associated with an increased risk of MAFLD compared with the first quartile (odds ratio [OR]: 1.714; 95% CI, 1.586-1.971; P < .001). In participants with normal levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the relationship between remnant cholesterol and MAFLD risk remained significant (OR: 1.346; 95% CI, 1.248-1.761; P < .001). During a median follow-up of 307 months, MAFLD patients with serum remnant cholesterol in the fourth quartile were associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.183; 95% CI, 1.825-2.407; P < .001), as well as a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR: 2.346; 95% CI, 2.046-2.885; P < .001) and cancer-related mortality (HR: 2.366; 95% CI, 1.864-2.932; P < .001) compared with MAFLD patients in the first quartile.

CONCLUSION

Remnant cholesterol was independently associated with the risk of MAFLD and predicted all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer-related mortalities in MAFLD patients.