Offspring Born to Mothers With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Guangzhou Cohort Study

Health of Offspring Born to Mothers With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Guangzhou Cohort Study

The Offspring Born to Mothers with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Guangzhou Cohort study (PCOS-BIG) was established to investigate the short- and long-term effects of intrauterine exposure to maternal PCOS on the health of offspring in Guangzhou, China. Data are collected regarding maternal PCOS subtypes, nursing, diet and education as well as health outcomes in their later life. Biological samples including blood and tissue samples are also collected from participants.

According to preliminary survey, the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among Chinese women reached 7.5%. Hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance were considered as the main pathogenesis of PCOS. As reported, the secretion of androgen is higher among women with PCOS than the healthy reference population throughout their fertile lives. Worth of concern, offspring of PCOS patients presented with glucolipid metabolism disorders as early as during their childhood, while whose pathogenesis remains unclear. Prenatal exposure of rhesus monkey in pregnant to androgens produces glucolipid metabolic alterations in offspring resembling those in PCOS, suggesting that the exposure of the fetus to hyperandrogenism during gestation could affect the glucolipid metabolism of PCOS offspring. Growing evidence shows that different exposures during pregnancy will affect the DNA methylation of offspring and disturb their endocrine and metabolism. A birth cohort would provide an opportunity to examine the short- and long-term effects of PCOS exposure, such as hyperandrogenism, on health consequences of the offspring.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Offspring born to women diagnosed with PCOS
• Offspring born to women with <20 weeks of gestation, intended to eventually deliver in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center
• Permanent residents or families intended to remain in Guangzhou for ≥3 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• None