The mRNA expression corresponding to steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α-HSD) was increased, while that corresponding to cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) was decreased in PCOS follicles as compared to controls.
Compared with the controls, PCOS patients showed significantly higher levels of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase1-2 (3β-HSD1-2), aldo-keto reductase 1C 1-3 (AKR1C1-3) and leptin, but lower level of P450 aromatase and 5α-reductase 1.