Evaluation of frizzled class receptor ۳ and miR-۳۷۸ expression levels in cumulus cells of polycystic ovary syndrome women: A case-control study

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Recent studies suggest that frizzled class receptor ۳ (FZD۳) and miR-۳۷۸ play significant roles in PCOS by affecting oocyte maturation. Objective: Considering the importance of FZD۳ and miR-۳۷۸ in ovulation, the present study aimed to determine the expression levels of FZD۳ and miR-۳۷۸ genes in cumulus cells of germinal vesicles and metaphase II oocytes in women with PCOS. Materials and Methods: The samples for this case-control study included, randomly selected, ۲۵ women with PCOS who were treated at the Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd, Iran. The diagnosis of PCOS was made based on the criteria defined in the Rotterdam guidelines. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction determined the expression level of FZD۳ and miR-۳۷۸. Results: This study showed increased expression of FZD۳ and miR-۳۷۸ in cumulus cells of immature oocytes compared to mature oocytes (p < ۰.۰۰۰۱). Conclusion: High levels of FZD۳ and miR-۳۷۸ in cumulus cells of immature oocytes can inhibit their maturation. FZD۳, a component of the WNT signaling pathway, is overexpressed in immature oocytes and may negatively affect the maturation process. Additionally, miR-۳۷۸ inhibits oocyte development by targeting and repressing essential genes. Currently, various aspects of microRNA function remain unknown. MiR-۳۷۸ may exert its regulatory role by directly targeting the FZD۳ gene or by targeting other genes and mediators that interact with FZD۳ or the protein it encodes. This study may provide a foundation for further investigation of this hypothesis in future research.

کلیدواژه ها:

Gene expression regulation ، Polycystic ovary syndrome ، Cumulus cells ، Wnt signaling pathway. ، تنظیم بیان ژن ، سندرم تخمدان پلی کیستیک ، سلول های کومولوس ، مسیر سیگنالیگ Wnt.