HLA-B*0702 class-I allele, anti-FSH, anti-LH, and vitamin D3: Potential links with polycystic ovary syndrome in women of Erbil city, Iraq

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread endocrine-reproductive-metabolic condition with severe implications for females' health. The role of four essential parameters on PCOS, including human leukocyte antigens (HLA) represented by the HLA-B*0702 allele, anti-follicle stimulating hormone (anti-FSH) antibodies, anti-luteinizing hormone (anti-LH) antibodies, and vitamin D3 was investigated. A total of 100 samples were collected from Kurdish women attended the maternity teaching hospital and some private hospitals/laboratories in Erbil City from October 2021 to January 2022. The samples were genotyped using a PCR-based technique with specific sequence primers. The levels of anti-FSH and anti-LH antibodies were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while vitamin D3 levels were measured by an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) test on Cobas e411 immunoassay system. The odds ratio (OR) of 2.167 at a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.8167 to 6.330, indicated an essential link between the HLA-B*0702 allele and a risk of PCOS. Anti-FSH and anti-LH antibodies were significantly greater in PCOS patients, notably infertile women, than in healthy controls. A significant positive linear correlation was observed between antibodies against FSH and LH in patients. Most patients had hypovitaminosis D3 with a significant difference compared to controls. The results indicate that the HLA-B*0702 allele is associated with PCOS susceptibility and could be used as an immunogenetic marker. Besides, it supports the idea that anti-FSH, and anti-LH antibodies are naturally presence antibodies in PCOS patients instead of signs for autoimmunity. It also suggests that women suffer from PCOS are more prone to develop vitamin D3 deficiency.