Polymorphisms of OCT1 and metformin effects in Iraqi women with polycystic ovary syndrome in Karbala city.

Objectives: The current study aimed to correlate OCT1 (organic cation transporter 1) polymorphisms with metformin response variability in Iraqi women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and determine the impact of OCT1 polymorphism. PCOS, an endocrine metabolic disorder, can seriously impact female health including infertility. Although its cause is unclear, it is usually known to be associated with hormonal imbalances. OCT1 is essential for metformin absorption in the liver. Recent research shown that OCT1 polymorphisms affects metformin responsiveness.

Methods: In the present work, a prospective case-control study was conducted at Department of Infertility, Karbala Teaching Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology. 100 PCOS patients and 50 healthy controls aged 20-40 were enrolled. Consultant gynecologist diagnosed PCOS patients using Rotterdam criteria and recommended metformin 500 mg twice daily for 3 months. At the start of the trial and after 3 months, all patients and healthy controls underwent hormonal, biochemical and genetic tests.

Results: The similar allelic frequencies of OCT1 polymorphism in PCOS and control groups was observed. Most patients with reference wild type alleles (C) showed considerable hormonal and metabolic responses to metformin, while those with mutant alleles (T) showed non-significant responses.

Conclusion: FSH, prolactin and testosterone hormonal levels may be considered as candidate biomarkers for PCOS detection and metformin related biomedical respond.