Evaluation of hsa-miR-323-3p, hsa-miR-483-5p, and hsa-miR-25 expression in polycystic ovary syndrome and their association with insulin resistance

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by reproductive and metabolic abnormalities. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of ovarian function and may be associated with the pathophysiology of PCOS. This study investigated the plasma expression of hsa -miR-323-3p , hsa -miR-483-5p , and hsa -miR-25 in women with PCOS and evaluated their associations with clinical and biochemical characteristics. Methods We included 25 women with PCOS and 25 controls. Plasma miRNA expression was quantified using RT-qPCR. All 50 participants were retained. Group comparisons and exploratory correlations were complemented by univariable and multivariable Firth logistic regression, with PCOS or insulin resistance (IR) as binary outcomes. Internal validation used stratified bootstrap resampling. Results hsa- miR-483-5p expression was lower in PCOS ( P = 0.007; false discovery rate-adjusted P = 0.020). The difference for hsa- miR-323-3p was nominal ( P = 0.036; adjusted P = 0.054). hsa- miR-25 differed across controls and PCOS IR subgroups ( P = 0.017). Its correlation with recorded HOMA-IR in PCOS was moderate (rho = 0.444; P = 0.026) and did not survive correction across exploratory correlations. Joint logistic models yielded imprecise estimates and were interpreted as exploratory. Conclusion These findings identify exploratory associations between circulating miRNA expression and PCOS or its metabolic characteristics. This small study does not establish validated diagnostic performance, clinical utility, or causal mechanisms. Independent validation in larger, more diverse cohorts is required.