CFTR and FOXO1 gene expression are reduced and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is increased in the ovaries and serum of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

AbstractWe previously described increased HMGB1and reduced FOXO1dependent on CFTR loss of function in cystic fibrosis (CF) and we showed in vitro that HMGB1was lowered by insulin. Reduced CFTR gene expression has been described in granulosa cells(GC) from PCOS-induced rats. We aimed at studying CFTR and FOXO1gene expression in GC, HMGB1concentrations in serum and follicular fluids(FF), and insulin and IL-6 in FF in PCOS women. Thirty PCOS and 36 non-PCOS women (CTRL) undergoing in vitro fertilization were enrolled. CFTR and FOXO1gene expression were downregulated in PCOS (p ≤ .05). HMGB1was higher in PCOS both in FF (p ≤ .05) and in serum (p < .005) whereas insulin was lower, and IL-6 was unchanged with respect to controls. 17-β estradiol was higher in PCOS than in CTRL (p ≤ .005). HMGB1correlated negatively with insulin in FF (p ≤ .005). The increase in HMGB1both in FF and in serum, likely reflects both low grade inflammation and insulin sensitivity. IL-6 was unchanged possibly reflecting func...