Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Cell and Molecular Biology
Session: 3
Room: Harding
Kia Smith - Dillard University
Co-Author(s): Holly Cyphert, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia; Morgan Ruley, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia; Jennie Yoost Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in reproductive aged women and is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. Women with PCOS are at risk for developing other conditions associated with metabolic syndrome including type 2 diabetes and obesity. Therefore, it is important to recognize this syndrome early in young women, as early intervention may prevent long-term sequelae. Currently, there is no universally accepted criteria for diagnosis which often leads to slower diagnosis and treatment. Indeed, a more specific biomarker is needed for proper diagnosis. This study recruited 27 women of reproductive age, both obese and normal-weighted, with and without PCOS, to delineate potential biomarkers, specifically monitoring bile acid accumulation and species in addition to FGF19 and FGF21, hepatokines associated with metabolic health. Interestingly, bile acids have been shown to be positively associated with insulin sensitivity and BMI. To understand the connection between bile acids, hepatokines, and PCOS, plasma was extracted from fasted subjects. We hypothesized that bile acids and hepatokines, in the absence of obesity and presence of PCOS, will display a differential pattern of expression. FGF19 and FGF21 were analyzed via ELISA while bile acids are currently being analyzed via mass spectrometry. Interestingly, FGF21 is positively associated with PCOS while FGF19 showed no correlation. This analysis is one step forward in better identifying the underlying biomarkers associated with PCOS and leading to a better standard of care. In the future, we plan to increase the sample size and perform the genome-wide association study. References: Olszanecka-Glinianowicz, M., Madej, P.,Wdowczyk, M., & Owczarek, A., Chudek, J. 2015. Circulating FGF21 levels are related to nutritional status and metabolic but not hormonal disturbances in polycystic ovary syndrome. European Society of Endocrinology. 172:2 173-179. Wang, D., Zhu, W., Li, J., An, C., & Wang., Z. 2013. Serum Concentrations of Fibroblast Growth Factors 19 and 21 in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Association with Insulin Resistance, Adiponectin, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome History. PLOS ONE. 8:11. Kahraman, S., Altinoca, A.E., Yalcin, M.M., Gulbahar, O., Arslan, B., Akturk, M., Cakir,N., & Toruner, F.B. 2018. Association of serum betatrophin with fibroblast growth factor-21 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation. 41: 1069-1074.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): This study was supported, in part, by a grant from WVCTSI and the Department of Clinical and Translational Science, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, awarded to Dr. Holly Cyphert, Department of Biological Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Bernard Singleton, bsingleton@dillard.edu
Role: I conducted and analyzed FGF19 and FGF21 using ELISA kit. I also assisted with analyzing the results for bile acids. I had input to on the overall project. I also developed the power point presentation to be presented at the ERN Conference.