ABSTRACT
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic dysfunction, highly prevalent in women in their reproductive years. Hyperandrogenism, oligo-ovulation, polycystic ovarian morphology are the main features of this syndrome. PCOS is a genetic disorder with a multifactorial etiology and has a strong link with environmental components. It is frequently associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Recently, epigenetic mechanisms have been involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Several studies showed that methylation in DNA and miRNAs is altered in women with PCOS in blood, serum, adipose tissue, granulose cells and theca. This evidence indicates that women with PCOS have a different epigenetic regulation, which might be triggered by an adverse intrauterine environment or by postnatal environmental elements such as diet and or obesity.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/genetics , DNA Methylation/genetics , MicroRNAs/genetics , Epigenesis, Genetic/geneticsABSTRACT
Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus and celiac disease share common genetic and immunological aspects and celiac disease is more common among type 1 diabetic patients. Aim: To determine the frequency of anti endomysial and anti transglutaminase antibodies among patients with type 1 diabetes. Material and Methods: Anti endomysialantibodies determined by indirect immunofluorescence an anti transglutaminase antibodies determined by ELISA were measured in 410 serum samples of patients with type 1 diabetes. Results: Seventy one samples (17 percent) had positive anti transglutaminase antibodies. Among these, 17 had also positive anti endomysial antibodies. In 11 of these 17 patients, the presence of celiac disease was confirmed. Conclusions: Among patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the frequency of celiac disease is three times higher than in the general population.