Proteome Analysis of CD4+T Cells Reveals Differentially Expressed Proteins in Infertile Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrine disorder affecting 6-7% of premenopausal women. Recent studies revealed that the immune system, especially CD4+ T helper cells are important in the context PCOS. Proteome analysis of CD4+ T lymphocytes can provide valuable information regarding the biology of these cells in the context of PCOS. Objective: To investigate immune dysregulation in CD4+ T lymphocytes at the protein level in the context of PCOS using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and mass spectrometry (MS). Methods: In the present study, we applied two-dimensional gel electrophoresis / mass spectrometry to identify proteins differentially expressed by peripheral blood CD4+ T cells in ten PCOS women compared with ten healthy women. Western blot technique was used to confirm the identified proteins. Results: Despite the overall proteome similarities, there were significant differences in the expression of seven spots between the two groups (P <0.05). Three proteins, namely phosphatidylethanolaminebinding protein 1, proteasome activator complex subunit 1 and triosephosphate isomerase 1 were successfully identified by Mass technique and confirmed by western blot. All characterized proteins were over-expressed in CD4+ T cells from patients compared to CD4+ T cells from controls (P <0.05). Insilico analysis suggested that the over-expressed proteins interact with other proteins involved in cellular metabolism, especially glycolysis and ferroptosis pathway. Conclusion: These findings suggest that metabolic adjustments in CD4+ T lymphocytes, which is in favor of increased glycolysis and Th2 differentiation are important in the context of PCOS.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate immune dysregulation in CD4+ T lymphocytes at the protein level in the context of PCOS. The results showed significant differences in the expression of seven spots between PCOS patients and healthy controls, with three proteins identified and confirmed to be over-expressed in CD4+ T cells from patients. In silico analysis suggested that the over-expressed proteins interact with other proteins involved in cellular metabolism, especially glycolysis and ferroptosis pathway.