Hyperhomocysteinemia in polycystic ovary syndrome: decreased betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase and cystathionine β-synthase-mediated homocysteine metabolism

Abstract Research question What are the metabolic characteristics of homocysteine in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Design Homocysteine concentrations were determined in serum samples from non-obese and obese control subjects and PCOS patients. Homocysteine metabolism was studied in a rat model of PCOS established using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or DHEA in combination with a high-fat diet (HFD). Results It was shown that (i) serum homocysteine concentrations were greater in PCOS patients than in control subjects in the obese group ( P P P Bhmt and Cbs were significantly reduced in the liver tissues of DHEA + HFD-induced rats (both P Cbs ( P Bhmt ( P P Bhmt and Cbs might be a defence mechanism against PCOS-related hyperhomocysteinemia. Conclusions These findings indicate that decreased liver Bhmt and Cbs -mediated homocysteine metabolism might have a role in hyperhomocysteinemia in PCOS and provides further evidence for a potential role of decreased liver function in PCOS.