LAUSR

BACKGROUND Kruppel-like factor 7 (KLF7) is associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity; however, at present the KLF7 level in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains unreported. METHODS In this study, serum KLF7, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and total testosterone concentrations were measured in 65 women with PCOS and 61 healthy controls. RESULTS Body mass index (BMI) in PCOS and the control group were all < 25 kg/m2. The median concentration of KLF7 was 3.630 ng/mL [interquartile range (IQR): 1.547 - 7.172] in women with PCOS, which was significantly lower than that of controls (5.282 ng/mL, IQR: 3.128 - 11.263, p = 0.003). The KLF7 level was positively correlated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (r = 0.261, p = 0.018). No significant association was observed between KLF7 and the BMI, total testosterone, and insulin resistance (IR). CONCLUSIONS The KLF7 level decreased in women with PCOS. KLF7 may represent a new therapeutic target in the treatment of PCOS.