MOLECULAR-GENETIC STUDIES AT THE ANDROGEN RECEPTOR-GENE IN FEMALE-PATIENTS WITH PCO SYNDROME

Molecular Genetic Studies at the Androgen Receptor-Gene in Female Pati ents with PCO Syndrome: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heteroge neous and variable disease. Typical features are hyperandrogenism, chr onic anovulation, and a polycystic appearance of the ovaries. Increase d androgen action is a main factor in pathogenesis of this disorder. T he polymorphic CAG repeat in the first exon of the androgen receptor g ene (AR) is an important factor for transactivation of AR-responsive g enes. In this study we determined the length of the CAG repeat of the AR gene in patients with PCOS and in a control group. No significant d ifference could be detected in both groups. Hence, we conclude that th e CAG repeat of the AR gene is not an important factor in the pathogen esis of this disease.