Differential expression of serum mir-363-3p in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and its predictive value for their pregnancy

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the expression of serum miR-363-3p in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its predictive value for pregnancy after ovulation induction therapy. METHODS: The expression of serum miR-363-3p was detected by Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). PCOS patients were treated with ovulation induction therapy, and after the successful pregnancy was confirmed, they were followed up for 1 year in outpatient department to record the pregnancy outcomes of the patients. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between the expression level of miR-363-3p and biochemical indicators of PCOS patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of pregnancy failure after ovulation induction therapy. RESULTS: The serum level of miR-363-3p in PCOS group was significantly lower than that in control group. Compared with the control group, both pregnant and non-pregnant groups had lower miR-363-3p levels, while the non-pregnant group had a greater reduction in miR-363-3p levels than the pregnant group. Low levels of miR-363-3p showed high accuracy in distinguishing pregnant and non-pregnant patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that high levels of luteinizing hormone, testosterone (T), prolactin (PRL) and low level of miR-363-3p were independent risk factors for pregnancy failure after ovulation induction in PCOS patients. Additionally, compared with pregnancy outcomes of healthy women, the incidence of premature delivery, macrosomia, and gestational diabetes in PCOS patients increased. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of miR-363-3p in PCOS patients was reduced and correlated with abnormal hormone levels, suggesting that miR-363-3p may be involved in the occurrence and development of PCOS.