Exploration of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Candidate Genes Among Omani Women

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder of reproductive aged women that affects 4-12% of women. The etiology of PCOS is complex and multifactorial. Studies suggest that altered gene expression in PCOS influences the controlling pathways of steroid hormone action, gonadotropin action and regulation, insulin action and secretion, energy homeostasis and chronic inflammation. As a result women affected with PCOS are at an increased risk for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, a disorder prevalent among the Omani population. There is a strong genetic component to the etiology of PCOS with several candidate genes identified. Therefore this research project aims to identify the candidate genes DENND1A and THADA which has been identified in Genome-wide association studies as a prominent candidate genes for PCOS. This will be achieved by using gene panel exome sequencing by conducting a prospective case control study of Omani women attending Sultan Qaboos University Hospital.