Evidence for decreased expression of APPL1 associated with reduced insulin and adiponectin receptors expression in PCOS patients

PURPOSE: To investigate the expression of Adaptor protein containing a PH domain, PTB domain and leucine zipper motif 1 (APPL1), insulin receptor (INSR), adiponectin and adiponectin receptors (adipoR1 and R2) and their possible associations in granulosa cells (GCs) of 22 polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women compared to the 22 non-PCOS controls with normal ovulatory function matched for BMI (body mass index). METHODS: In this study, 44 infertile women aged 18-40 years undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol were recruited. After follicular fluid collection, GCs were isolated and then purified with MACS (Micro Beads conjugated to monoclonal anti-human CD45 antibodies). RNA was extracted from GCs and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to assess APPL1 gene expression. RESULTS: Expression of APPL1, insulin receptor and adiponectin system genes was significantly decreased in PCOS group compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction of APPL1, insulin receptor and adiponectin system genes in GCs could be involved in the development of PCOS.