ESPE Abstracts

Introduction: Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MOTS-c) is originated from the 12S ribosomal region of mitochondrial DNA. MOTS-c functions as an activator of AKT and AMPK, which are involved in the insulin signaling pathway. In experimental studies, MOTS-c administration was shown to reduce insulin resistance and obesity. Besides, MOTS-c levels were decreased and negatively correlated with insulin resistance in obese male children. In male cases, the MOTS-c gene m.1382A>C polymorphism has been associated with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. However, there is no research in the literature regarding the MOTS-c gene m.1382A>C polymorphism and serum MOTS-c levels in subjects with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship of MOTS-c gene (m.1382A>C) polymorphism and serum MOTS-c levels with PCOS.

Methods: Adolescents aged 12-18 years completed at least two years after the first menarche and were diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria consisted the PCOS group. The control group was comprised of healthy adolescents with regular menstruation. Anthropometric measurements and body fat analyses of all cases were performed. In addition, metabolic and hormonal tests were carried out in adolescents with PCOS. Serum MOTS-c levels were analyzed by the ELISA method, and MOTS-c gene (m.1382A>C) polymorphism was evaluated by sequence analysis in all participants' samples.

Results: 121 PCOS and 125 healthy adolescents were included in the study. BMI-SDS, waist circumference, fat mass, fat percentage, and blood pressure values of the PCOS group were higher than the control group. In the PCOS group, 41.6% had obesity, 2.4% had impaired fasting glucose, 24% had insulin resistance, and 18.4% had dyslipidemia. Although the median serum MOTS-c level was higher in the PCOS group, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.059). MOTS-c levels were not different among obese and non-obese PCOS subjects (median serum MOTS-c levels 101.0 & 80.9 ng/mL, respectively, P=0.160). Serum MOTS-c level was not associated with any of the anthropometric or metabolic parameters in the PCOS group (P>0.05). MOTS-c m.1382A>C polymorphism was determined as wild type (A/A) in all study participants.

Conclusion: This study showed that (i) MOTS-c gene (m.1382A>C) polymorphism is not associated with PCOS, (ii) serum MOTS-c level in PCOS subjects is not different from healthy controls, and (iii) MOTS-c has no role in the etiopathogenesis of PCOS subjects since it does not show a significant relationship with anthropometric or metabolic parameters.