Dietary Intervention Strategies to Support Methyl Group Metabolism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

NIH RePORTER · NIH · R03 · $73,209 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY An estimated 5-20% of premenopausal women are affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) across the globe. Not only is it one of the leading causes of infertility, but a significant number of females with PCOS also exhibit metabolic abnormalities, leading to higher risks for development of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, gestational diabetes, as well as type 2 diabetes. While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, it has been determined that PCOS is characterized by methyl group imbalances. Methyl group metabolism involves several substrates and cofactors. Specifically, sources of methyl groups include methionine, betaine and choline, while the cofactors involved include the B-vitamins folate, B12, and B6. Disruption to the interplay of these key nutrients may have significant consequences on gene expression. Dietary eggs are considered an excellent food source for these key nutrients, particularly choline. Thus we propose to use two models of PCOS, a genetic and chemically-induced model to characterize abnormal metabolism of these pathways, thus forming a potential mechanistic link between methyl groups, epigenetic modifications, metabolic complications and PCOS owing to methyl group insufficiency. This hypothesis provides a strategic means by which dietary intervention, via whole egg consumption, can manage PCOS as well as its complications.

Key facts

NIH application ID
9873992
Project number
5R03HD095091-02
Recipient
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
Principal Investigator
Kevin L Schalinske
Activity code
R03
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2020
Award amount
$73,209
Award type
5
Project period
2019-02-15 → 2021-06-30