Elucidation of endocrinorogical and genetical basis of androgen excess of polycystic ovary syndrome

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K18632
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56040:Obstetrics and gynecology-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University
• Principal Investigator: Saito Kazuki 東京医科歯科大学, 大学院医歯学総合研究科, 寄附講座助教 (90830125)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 内分泌 / 生殖 / 不妊症 / 多嚢胞性卵巣症候群

Outline of Final Research Achievements

It was extremely difficult to collect patient samples due to the reduction of general outpatients due to the Covid-19 epidemic, work around corona infections, suspension of sample collection at biobanks, and restrictions on interaction with other facilities. Because the prospect was unclear, we picked target genes from literature in preparation for analysis after when samples could be collected. Their validity was examined by in silico analysis. Finally, the research was terminated because it was impossible to collect samples at our biobank within the research institute. We also conducted a joint study on the relationship between androgen and psychiatric symptoms using our own polycystic ovary syndrome specimens. We reported that androstenedione is associated with psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Free Research Field

reproductive medicine

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

多嚢胞性卵巣症候群は生殖年齢女性の1、2割程度に認める疾患である。従来は排卵障害に伴う不妊症の他、肥満や糖尿病との関連を対象とした治療が行われてきたが、近年海外を中心に精神症状との関連が着目されるようになった。わが国においても若年性の他嚢胞性卵巣症候群と不登校などの関連などが報告されるようになり、今後他嚢胞性卵巣症候群と精神症状の関連を示す知見が蓄積するものと思われる。本研究はこの精神症状の背景に本症特有のアンドロゲン過剰症状が存在することを示唆し、発症機序の解明および効果的な介入方法の開発につながるものと期待される。