Differential Lipidomic Characteristics of Children Born to Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objective To describe the lipidomic characteristics of offspring born to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women (PCOS-off) and assess the associations between differential lipids and clinical phenotypes. Methods Ultra performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were performed on plasma samples from 70 PCOS-off and 71 healthy controls. The associations of differential metabolites with clinical phenotypes were examined by multiple linear regression. Results Forty-four metabolites were significantly altered in PCOS-off, including 8 increased and 36 decreased. After stratification according to sex, 44 metabolites (13 increased and 31 decreased) were expressed differently in girls born to PCOS women (PCOS-g), most of which were glycerolipids. Furthermore, 46 metabolites (9 increased and 35 decreased) were expressed differently in boys born to PCOS women (PCOS-b), most of which were glycerophospholipids. Significant associations of metabolites with weight Z-score and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were found in PCOS-off. Triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were separately correlated with some lipids in PCOS-g and PCOS-b. Conclusions PCOS-off showed specific lipid profile alterations. The abnormal level of glycerophospholipids and sphingomyelin indicated the risk of glucose metabolism and cardiovascular diseases in PCOS-off. Some lipids, such as phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin, may be the potential markers. The results broadened our understanding of PCOS-offs' cardiometabolic status and emphasized more specific and detailed monitoring and management in this population.

Automated summary

This study described lipidomic characteristics of offspring born to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women (PCOS-off) and identified significant alterations in lipid profiles, especially among girls (PCOS-g) and boys (PCOS-b) born to PCOS women. Abnormal lipid levels in PCOS-off indicated risks for glucose metabolism and cardiovascular diseases. Some lipids, such as phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholine, and sphingomyelin, may serve as potential markers in this population.