Among the 11 growth factor-related proteins—EGF1, EGFR, EGFRvIII, FGF8, FGF9, FGF17, FGFR1, VEGF-D, IGF1, IGF-1sR, and PDGFRA—that showed significant differences between women with PCOS and controls, these changes were found to be independent of BMI, inflammation (indicated by the lack of correlation with CRP), or IR, suggesting that these differences are intrinsic to PCOS itself. The gene discussed is VEGFD; the disease is polycystic ovary syndrome.