[Cathepsin D expression in ovaries from polycystic ovarian syndrome patients].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of cathepsin D in ovary of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

Western blot was performed to detect the expression of cathepsin D and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein distribution in ovarian tissue.

RESULT: Semi-quantity values of cathepsin D expression in PCOS and control group were 2.06 +/- 0.39 and 4.76 +/- 1.43 (P<0.05), respectively. Immunostaining for cathepsin D was obvious in both follicles and stromal cells, and the strongest immunostaining was seen in granulosa cells of follicles. Immunochemical study showed the protein was mainly located on the cytoplasm and cell membrane.

CONCLUSION

Cathepsin D expression is down-regulated in ovaries of PCOS patients, which may provide a clue for the abnormality of follicle development in PCOS.