Compared with the sh-NC and PCOS groups, the sh-MEG3 group showed decreased caspase-3 mRNA expression and decreased cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 ratio, and increased Bcl-2mRNA expression, decreased Bax mRNA expression and increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio (all P < 0.01) (Fig. 5D–I). The gene discussed is CASP3; the disease is polycystic ovary syndrome.