Rafiatu Azumah

I am a PhD candidate working on the pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with focus on the genetic and fetal origins of the syndrome under the supervision of Prof. Raymond Rodgers.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex syndrome which presents endocrine, metabolic and reproductive symptoms, affecting about 10% of women of reproductive age. However, the pathogenesis of PCOS is poorly understood hence diagnosis is usually delayed due to the numerous associated symptoms, and treatment is mainly based on management of presenting symptoms. Moreover, studies involving animals and women with the syndrome as well as their offspring have shown similar patterns that infer the possible fetal origin of PCOS. Thus, children born to women with PCOS have an increased risk of the syndrome compared to those not exposed. Interestingly, candidate genes associated with PCOS have been identified in human and bovine fetal ovaries, further confirming the genetic and fetal origins of the syndrome. Considering the strong similarities between human and bovine ovaries in morphology and physiology, gestational length and relative number of birth outcomes, my project seeks to define the upstream regulators and mechanisms associated with PCOS candidate genes using the bovine fetal ovaries.