'Obesity gene' linked to development of ovarian cysts syndrome, researchers say

Published on Monday 16 March 2009 18:59

A GENE that causes obesity could also lead to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, research suggested yesterday.

Experts found that women who carried a variant of the FTO gene, which has been shown to increase the risk of obesity by up to 70 per cent, are also at increased risk of developing PCOS.

Around one woman in ten in the UK has PCOS to some degree. The condition is characterised by the development of tiny cysts on the ovaries and is a leading causing of infertility.

The latest study, carried out by Dr Tom Barber and his colleagues from the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Oxford and Imperial College London, is believed to be the first to show evidence of a genetic link between obesity and the syndrome.

The study involved 463 patients who had PCOS in comparison with a group of 1,336 healthy women.

Past research has shown that women who are obese also have an increased risk of developing PCOS. The latest study confirms the existence of a genetic link between the two conditions.

Dr Barber said: "Polycystic ovary syndrome is a genetic condition and one that is strongly associated with obesity; it is therefore of huge relevance for women, given today's obesity epidemic.

"Our research shows that a variant of the FTO gene that has previously been shown to be associated with obesity also influences susceptibility to polycystic ovary syndrome.

"These data provide the first genetic evidence to corroborate the well-documented association between these two conditions.

Dr Barber added: "Our future work will focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of polycystic ovary syndrome and its metabolic consequences with the hope of understanding how this common condition develops.

"This, in turn, will instruct future therapeutic developments for women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome."

As well as infertility, the syndrome, which affects around one in 15 women worldwide, can cause menstrual dysfunction, excess body hair and acne due to hormonal imbalances.

Women with the condition have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and may be more likely to contract cardiovascular problems, although this link is still debated.

As well as the genetic link highlighted by yesterday's research, PCOS is believed to be affected by gestational environment as well as a woman's lifestyle.

Treatment of the condition has provoked medical debate. Weight loss diets, ovulation medication and surgery have all been used with varying levels of success.