The inherited nature of PCOS has been firmly established. Unfortunately, most candidate gene studies have been in small cohorts. Additional issues such as only one or two variants genotyped per gene have confounded PCOS genetics. As a result, despite a large number of positive reports, no particular gene is universally recognized as importantly contributing to PCOS risk.
However, significant progress has been made and a number of potential can-didate genes have been identified. Future efforts should focus on confirming these genes as well as considering epigenetics in the pathogenesis of PCOS.
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42 M.O. Goodarzi
Chapter 4
Insulin Action in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: In Vivo and In Vitro
Jean-Patrice Baillargeon, MD, MSc
Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
Affiliation Information:
Jean-Patrice Baillargeon, MD, MSc, Assistant Professor, Division of Endocrinology, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th North Avenue, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1H 5N4,
Phone: (819) 564-5244, Fax: (819) 564-5292, e-mail: [email protected]
Keywords: polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin, signaling pathways, hyperandrogenemia, theca cells, granulosa cells