DNA damage, DNA susceptibility to oxidation and glutathione level in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Recent studies have addressed the possibility of an association between polycystic ovaries and ovarian cancer. DNA damage is the first step of the carcinogenesis, and susceptibility to cancer, in general, is characterized by high DNA damage. Free radical-mediated DNA damage and impaired antioxidant defence have been implicated as contributory factors for the development of cancer. This study evaluates DNA damage (strand breakage, base oxidation, formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (Fpg) sensitive sites), H2O2-induced DNA damage, a marker of DNA susceptibility to oxidation and glutathione (GSH) level, a powerful antioxidant, in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS showed a significant decrease in GSH level, a significant increase in DNA strand breakage and H2O2-induced DNA damage. Although Fpg-sensitive sites were higher in the PCOS group compared to the control group, the difference did not reach a statistically significant level. Significant correlations were found between free testosterone and DNA strand breakage (r = 0.46, p < 0.01) and free testosterone and H2O2-induced DNA damage (r = 0.41, p < 0.05). The data indicate that DNA damage and susceptibility of DNA to oxidative stress are increased in women with PCOS and may explain the association between PCOS and ovarian cancer.