Among the three proteins, STAR levels were significantly reduced in the PCOS group compared with those in the Ctl group, while no changes in HSD3B or CYP11A1 levels were observed (STAR: 0.542 ± 0.103 versus 1.000 ± 0.135, respectively; P < 0.05; HSD3B: 0.818 ± 0.154 versus 1.000 ± 0.130, respectively; P > 0.05; CYP11A1: 0.833 ± 0.136 versus 1.000 ± 0.117, respectively; P > 0.05; n = 17 and n = 14, respectively; Fig. 2C). Here, STAR is linked to polycystic ovary syndrome.