Aberrant expression of miR-200b-3p in polycystic ovary syndrome and its effect on disease progression

Abstract Objectives Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a polygenic, multifactorial inflammatory disorder involving steroid regulation dysfunction, affecting tens of thousands of women of reproductive age. The considerable potential demonstrated by miR-200b-3p in regulating gynecological disorders has captured our attention. We aim to explore the diagnostic value of miR-200b-3p in PCOS, with the aspiration to advance medical progress. Methods A total of 208 patients with PCOS were included. Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect miRNA and mRNA levels. Radioimmunoassay and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were employed to determine the concentrations of hormones and inflammatory cytokines respectively. The inflammatory models were established by inducing KGN cell line with LPS. Cell proliferation was detected by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The target relationship was detected by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results Compared with healthy women, PCOS patients exhibit abnormally elevated hormone levels. miR-200b-3p is up-regulated in the serum and follicular fluid of PCOS patients and demonstrates good diagnostic value. Cell experiments indicate that miR-200b-3p inhibitor promote KNG cell proliferation activity whilst simultaneously suppressing estradiol (E2) concentrations and inhibiting inflammatory responses. The miR-200b-3p targets zinc finger E-box binding homologue 1 (ZEB1). Silencing ZEB1 partially reversed the effects exerted by the miR-200b-3p inhibitor on KGN cell line. Conclusions Inhibition of miR-200b-3p promotes KNG cell line proliferation and suppresses inflammation by targeting ZEB1, potentially alleviating the progression of PCOS.