Effect Modification of LHCGR Gene Variant (rs2293275) on Clinico-Biochemical Profile, and Levels of Luteinizing Hormone in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common multifaceted endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women. Deranged luteinizing hormone levels and associated downstream signaling cascade mediated by its receptor luteinizing hormone chorionic gonadotropin receptor ( LHCGR ) are pivotal in the etiopathogenesis of PCOS. Genetic variations in the LHCGR have been associated with PCOS risk. However, the results are mixed and inconclusive. We evaluated the association of the LHCGR rs2293275 polymorphic variant with PCOS risk and its association with clinico-biochemical features of PCOS. 120 confirmed PCOS cases and an equal number of age-matched controls were subjected to clinical, biochemical, and hormonal investigations. Genotyping for rs2293275 was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) at 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). In the current study, PCOS cases reported a lower number of menstrual cycles per year than respective controls. A significantly higher BMI, Ferriman Galway score, levels of serum testosterone, insulin, TSH, FSH, and fasting glucose were observed in cases than in controls ( p < 0.01). Compared to GG carriers, we observed a higher risk of developing PCOS in the subjects who harbored GA (OR 10.4, p < 0.0001) or AA (OR 7.73, p = 0.02) genotype. The risk persisted in the dominant model (GA + AA) as well (OR 10.29, p = 0.01). On stratification, a higher risk of developing PCOS was observed in variant genotype carriers who had a family history of either type two diabetes mellitus (OR 117; p < 0.0001) or hirsutism (OR 79; p < 0.0001). We also found significantly elevated levels of serum LH levels in the subject harboring GA and AA genotypes when compared to GG carriers. In the present study, we report a significant association of the LHCGR rs2293275 variant with the PCOS risk.