Androgen receptor gene CAG length polymorphism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: To determine whether the CAG repeat length of the androgen receptor (AR) gene contributes to individual differences in the susceptibility to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design: Retrospective case-control study. Setting: University-based clinic. Patient(s): One hundred six nondiabetic women with PCOS and 112 nonhirsute fertile controls. Intervention(S): Androgen receptor gene CAG repeat length was analyzed in women with PCOS and their controls. Main Outcome Measure(s): Androgen receptor gene CAG repeat length in both groups. Result(S): The mean CAG(n) was 21.5 repeats in both groups (NS; t-test). Furthermore, when the CAG(n) lengths were divided into three categories (CAG(n) <= 18, 19-24, >= 25), the distribution was similar in both groups (NS; X-2 test). However, all five women carrying <= 15 CAG repeats belonged to the PCOS group. In the PCOS group, CAG(n) did not correlate with body mass index or serum testosterone concentration. Conclusion(s): Androgen receptor CAG(n) is not a major determinant of PCOS. However, it may be a significant modulator of androgen-related diseases in some individuals. (c) 2005 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.