PCOS Grant Renewed for 21st Year

Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism

Center for Research in Reproduction Now in Twenty-first Year of NIH Grant

A major award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been made to a consortium of investigators, including the University of Virginia, University of Michigan and Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. The award supports the “clinical and basic studies in polycystic ovarian syndrome” (PCOS) of the Center for Research in Reproduction (CRR); the Center studies the development of abnormal hormone secretion in young girls with hyperandrogenemia. The award represents a renewal for years 21 through 25, and totals approximately $9 million.

PCOS affects 7-8% of women of reproductive age and is associated with impaired fertility, excess hair growth and male hormone production, obesity and increased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and diabetes in later life. The disorder begins before and during puberty in girls. Studies performed in the CRR at UVA have demonstrated abnormal regulation of hypothalamic and pituitary hormone secretion by ovarian steroid hormones.

The overall goal of this project is to understand the abnormalities of physiology which result in increased male hormone production in young girls, particularly those who are overweight, and to identify the mechanisms which modify normal pubertal development. A long-term goal is to identify girls before puberty who have elevated male hormone levels so that the abnormality can be corrected to allow normal pubertal maturation and subsequent fertility.

The consortium is led by UVA Endocrinology faculty member John C. Marshall, MD, PhD, whose leadership has enabled the program to remain on the forefront of reproduction research into its 21st year. Dr. Marshall and Christopher R. McCartney, MD, both from the Department of Medicine, together with Christine Burt Solorzano, MD, Department of Pediatrics, will lead the clinical studies.

Three cores support this research project. Dr. Burt-Solorzano directs the Outreach and Education Core, which has built a network of exercise classes in Central Virginia for overweight, adolescent girls, most of whom have elevated male hormone levels. Formal exercise sessions using a Zumba dance regimen are followed by educational lectures on maintaining good health, optimum diets and the benefits of exercise. The Ligand Assay and Analysis Core (listed as a national resource by National Institute of Child Health and Human Development [NICHD]) is directed by Daniel J. Haisenleder, PhD, and provides hormone assay measurements to support all projects. Dr. Marshall leads the Administrative Core, with the support of administrator, Lori Tawney.

To participate in this research, please contact the clinical research coordinator, Anne Gabel, at am7bd@virginia.edu or 434.243.6911.