Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a metabolic disorder, manifests itself in a variety of ways. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the IL-6-174 G/C promoter gene polymorphism in adult PCOS women and its relationship to circulating levels and metabolic risk indicators. A total of 298 women between the ages between 15 and 35 years were chosen, 126 of whom had PCOS, and 172 of whom did not (control group). Both groups were further divided into subgroups of obese and lean women. The lipid profile, serum IL-6 level, and Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA) index were all examined. By using PCR-RFLP, the genotype of IL-6-174 G/C was identified. Women in the PCOS and non-PCOS groups showed significant variations in genotype frequencies and metabolic risk indicators. In PCOS compared to non-PCOS, there was a stronger correlation between the mutant 'C' allele of IL-6-174 G/C (p<0.0001; OR=1.91; 95% CI=1.38-2.66). Women with PCOS (61.2%) were significantly more associated with both the homozygous CC and heterozygous GC genotypes of IL-6-174 G/C in respect of WHR>0.85 than non-PCOS women (59.2%). In PCOS women, the distribution of the mutant genotypes CC and GC of the IL-6-174 G/C gene was likewise significantly different from GG, with higher WHR (p=0.0191), HOMA index (p=0.031), and serum IL-6 level (p=0.0094). These findings imply that the IL-6-174 G/C promoter mutant CC genotype was substantially related with increased circulating IL-6 levels, and that the presence of IR may be a risk indicator for the development of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in PCOS women.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study was supported by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, India (No. 5/10/2/2006-RHN).

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The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

Institutional ethics committee, King George's Medical University, Lucknow

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