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

> **NIH NIH R03** · IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $73,209

## 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 organization:** IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Kevin L Schalinske
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $73,209
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-02-15 → 2021-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9873992

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9873992, Dietary Intervention Strategies to Support Methyl Group Metabolism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (5R03HD095091-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9873992. Licensed CC0.

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