空腹血糖异常、糖耐量减低患者血清胰岛素水平的变化及其意义

目的 观察空腹血糖异常(IFG)、糖耐量减低(IGT)患者血清胰岛素水平的变化。方法 对50例空腹血糖和糖耐量正常者(NGT)、40例IFC和80例IGT患者行口服葡萄糖耐量试验(0GTT)，用氧化酶法检测血糖，用放免法测定血清空腹及餐后2小时胰岛素。结果 IFG、IGT组空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素水平及胰岛素敏感指数较NGT组明显升高(P＜0.05或P＜0．01)，IFG组胰岛素敏感指数与IGT组比较无显著性差异(P＞0．05)。结论 在IFG、IGT状态下已经存在胰岛素抵抗，而且在程度上两者间并没有显著性差异，应早期干预治疗。     

中老年人群糖代谢异常的临床特点分析

目的:探讨中老年人群糖代谢异常的分布情况及其临床特点。方法:测定951例年龄≥45岁人群的身高、体重、腰围、臀围,计算体重指数(BMI)、腰臀比(WHR);口服75g葡萄糖耐量试验确定其糖代谢状态,测定血脂、空腹及餐后2h血浆血糖和血清胰岛素水平,用稳态模型评估法(HOMA)计算胰岛素抵抗(IR)指数(HOMA-IR)、胰岛细胞功能指数(HOMA-β),进行组间比较。结果:①糖耐量正常者(NGT)占53.00%,单纯糖耐量异常(IGT)占25.34%;空腹血糖受损(IFG)占5.15%;IFG合并IGT占3.79%;糖尿病(DM)占12.72%;②IGT、IFG IGT、DM患者的年龄、血压、脉压、BMI显著高于NGT和IFG者;WHR值按NGT、IFG→IGT→IFG IGT、DM的顺序依次增高(P<0.05);IGT、IFG IGT、DM者的三酰甘油(TG)水平高于NGT者(P<0.05),其中隐性糖尿病(LDM)和显性糖尿病(ODM)患者的TG水平又显著高于IFG者(P<0.05);③IR的程度按NGT、IGT→IFG→LDM→IFG IGT→ODM的顺序依次升高;除IGT外,其他糖代谢异常的IR程度均显著高于NGT(P<0.05);HOMA-β按IGT、NGT→LDM→IFG IGT→IFG→ODM的顺序依次降低;各组中以ODM的IR最高,基础胰岛素分泌功能最差。结论:中老年人群的糖代谢异常的患病率高,应重视对餐后血糖的检测,合并有中心性肥胖、高血压等危险因素者建议做口服葡萄糖耐量试验以明确诊断。中老年人群中糖代谢异常者普遍存在IR及胰岛β细胞分泌功能不足。     

老年糖尿病前期患者胰岛素抵抗和胰岛β细胞分泌功能

目的:研究老年空腹血糖异常(IFG)和糖耐量低减(IGT)患者的胰岛素抵抗(IR)和胰岛β细胞分泌功能。方法:将84例老年患者分为正常血糖组(NGT)、IGT组、IFG组和IGT与IFG重叠组(IFG/IGT),测定患者的空腹及餐后2h血糖和胰岛素,计算胰岛素敏感性指数(ISI)、胰岛β细胞分泌指数(HBCI)并进行对比性分析。结果:与NGT组比较IFG、IGT及IFG/IGT组的餐后2h血糖(2hPG)、空腹及餐后2h胰岛素(2hINS)水平均显著升高(P<0.01),但ISI均显著下降(P<0.01),IGT与IFG/IGT组HBCI明显降低(P<0.05);与IFG组比较IGT与IFG/IGT组FPG、2hPG、2hINS水平显著升高,HBCI明显下降(P<0.05~<0.01)。结论:IFG、IGT及IFG/IGT患者均存在明显IR,而胰岛β细胞分泌功能下降在IGT及IFG/IGT组患者明显。     

老年冠心病患者合并糖代谢异常临床观察研究

目的 分析糖代谢异常对老年冠心病患者的影响,探讨餐后2 h血糖检测的重要性.方法 随机选择经冠脉造影确诊的老年冠心病患者172例,取清晨空腹及餐后2 h血糖值后将患者分为糖尿病(DM)组,糖耐量减低(IGT)组,空腹血糖受损(IFG)组和糖耐量正常(NGT)组,比较4组的危险因素及冠脉造影结果.结果 DM组58例(33.72%),IGT组56例(32.56%),IFG组10例(5.81%),NGT组48例(27.91%).前3组弥漫性病变率、合并血脂异常高于NGT组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 老年冠心病合并糖代谢异常患者多支病变及弥漫性病变率高,容易合并其他危险因素,餐后2 h血糖测定可提高该类患者检出率.     

空腹血糖受损患者糖耐量异常及影响因素分析

目的了解空腹血糖受损(IFG)患者糖耐量异常(IGT)情况及其影响因素。方法纳入空腹血糖为5.6~6.1 mmol/L的IFG患者337例,检测患者口服75克葡萄糖后2小时血糖等资料,分析患者IGT情况及其影响因素。结果纳入的337例IFG患者中46.6%(157/337)伴有IGT。口服葡萄糖耐量异常和正常组超重和肥胖率分别为75.0%和63.1%(P0.05);口服葡萄糖耐量异常组甘油三酯水平显著高于正常组,高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平低于正常组,均有统计学差异(P0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,年龄、体重指数、甘油三酯水平是IFG患者葡萄糖耐量异常的影响因素,相对危险分别为:1.06(95%CI:1.03~1.08);1.11(95%CI:1.05~119);1.58(95%CI:1.23~2.09)。进一步对体重正常者发生糖耐量异常的影响因素进行分析,除年龄外,甘油三酯水平是空腹血糖受损患者糖耐量异常的影响因素,相对危险为2.10(95%CI:1.29~3.43)。结论空腹血糖受损患者约半数伴有糖耐量异常,体重指数和甘油三酯水平是空腹血糖受损患者糖耐量异常的影响因素。     

从心血管危险因素看空腹血糖受损切点下调

目的在不同空腹血糖水平下分析心血管危险因素的聚集情况,探讨我国成人空腹血糖受损(IFG)切点下调的合理性.方法对1994年全国25岁以上22.4万人群糖尿病普查中15 564例经口服75克葡萄糖耐量试验检查的人群资料进行分析.结果 (1)将人群按空腹血糖(FPG)0.56 mmol/L间隔分组,BMI≥25 kg/m2、高甘油三酯、高血压及代谢综合征的比率随FPG逐渐上升,FPG 5.0～5.6 mmol/L组超重比率出现明显升高(P=0.001),FPG 5.6～6.1 mmol/L组其余各组分及代谢综合征比率均有明显升高(P＜0.001).(2) 餐后2 h血糖＜7.8 mmol/L时,FPG 5.6～6.1 mmol/L组与FPG＜5.6 mmol/L组比较,BMI≥25 kg/m2、高血压、代谢综合征患病率分别升高25%,15%,46%;糖尿病家族史阳性率增高.(3) 按照1999年WHO诊断分型标准及2003年ADA专家委员会建议将非糖尿病人群分为正常糖耐量(NGT),单纯IFG,单纯糖耐量受损(IGT)及IFG合并IGT(IFG+IGT)组.IFG诊断切点下调至5.6 mmol/L后,糖调节受损各组仍具有FPG 6.1 mmol/L为切点时临床特点.IFG+IGT组代谢异常较单纯IFG及单纯IGT为重.单纯IFG与单纯IGT组比较IFG组年轻、糖尿病家族史阳性多,相对肥胖,总代谢综合征比率高;IGT组收缩压、甘油三酯、餐后胰岛素水平高,女性比例高.结论 (1)糖尿病前心血管危险因素已开始随空腹血糖水平增高而增加,自FPG 5.6 mmol/L组以上代谢综合征及单组分比率均有显著升高.(2)以FPG≥5.6mmol/L为切点划分的新IFG人群表现为年轻,糖尿病家族史阳性率高,代谢综合征比率高于NGT及单纯IGT人群.FPG可能对年轻者更有诊断价值.     

不同方法评估不同糖代谢人群胰岛素抵抗结果的分析

目的探讨临床工作中不同糖代谢状态下不同胰岛素抵抗评估方法的可靠性。方法对25~73岁的正常糖耐量(NGT)者448例;空腹血糖受损(IFG)者56例;糖耐量受损(IGT)者197例;IFG合并IGT(IFG+IGT)者63例;糖尿病(DM)患者225例,采用以下6种方法评估不同糖代谢状态下胰岛素抵抗程度:(1)OGTT计算胰岛素敏感指数;(2)HOMA-IR;(3)李光伟胰岛素敏感指数[1/(FINS×FPG)];(4)胰岛素曲线下面积(AUCinsulin);(5)葡萄糖曲线下面积/胰岛素曲线下面积比值(AUCglucose/AUCinsulin);(6)空腹血糖/空腹胰岛素比值(FPG/FINS)。结果OGTT计算胰岛素敏感指数、HOMA-IR以及1/(FINS×FPG)显示,IFG、IFG+IGT、IGT、DM组胰岛素抵抗显著高于NGT(P<0.05),而DM组显著高于NGT、IFG、IFG+IGT、IGT组(P<0.05);AUCinsulin显示,IGT组胰岛素抵抗显著高于NGT、IFG、IFG+IGT、DM组(P<0.05),而DM组显著低于NGT、IFG、IFG+IGT、IGT组(P<0.05);AUCglucose/AUCinsulin、FPG/FINS显示,NGT、IFG、IFG+IGT、IGT四组患者之间胰岛素抵抗差异无显著性(P>0.05),而DM组显著高于NGT、IFG、IFG+IGT、IGT组(P<0.05)。结论OGTT计算胰岛素敏感指数、1/(FINS×FPG)与HOMA-IR得出结果基本一致,并且OGTT计算胰岛素敏感指数可以分辨不同糖调节异常状态下胰岛素抵抗程度;AUCinsulin、AUCglucose/AUCinsulin、FPG/FINS不能准确分辨不同糖代谢人群胰岛素抵抗程度。     

上海地区肥胖糖调节受损者的胰岛素敏感性和1相胰岛素分泌功能研究

目的研究上海地区肥胖的糖调节受损(IGR)者胰岛素敏感性和胰岛β细胞1相胰岛素分泌功能。方法共有129例受试者[非肥胖正常对照38名,IGR包括单独糖耐量受损(IGT)64例,单独空腹血糖受损(IFG)8例,IFG+IGT 19例]接受了口服75g葡萄糖耐量试验和胰岛素改良的减少样本数(n =12)的Bergman微小模型技术结合频繁采血的静脉葡萄糖耐量试验(FSIGTT)。胰岛素抵抗由FSIGTT中胰岛素敏感性指数(S1)加以评估,而FSIGTT中对葡萄糖急性胰岛素分泌反应(AIRg)则用以评价胰岛β细胞分泌功能。处理指数(DI=AIRg×S1)用于评价AIRg是否代偿机体的胰岛素抵抗。结果(1)与正常对照组相比,3组IGR患者之S1明显降低(均P<0．01),3组差异无统计学意义;(2)AIRg在正常组和IGT组之间差异无统计学意义,但均大于IFG和IFG+IGT组,差异有统计学意义(P<0．05或JP<0．01)。IFG +IGT组的AIRg值显著低于IGT组(P<0．01);(3)与正常组相比,DI指数在3组IGR显著降低(P< 0．01),但在IGR组间差异无统计学意义;(4)S1与空腹胰岛素、体重指数、血清尿酸呈显著负相关(校正r2 =0．568,P<0．01);而AIRg与2h胰岛素显著正相关,与空腹血糖、2h血糖和年龄负相关(校正r2=0．402, P<0．01)。结论上海地区肥胖的初诊IGR患者(包括单独IGT、单独IFG和IFG+IGT患者)存在着程度近似的胰岛素抵抗;急性相胰岛素分泌功能在校正胰岛素抵抗影响因素后IGT患者尚属正常,在IFG和IFG+IGT患者已明显降低,且3组的β细胞代偿功能均为一致性失代偿。     

空腹血糖切点下调对发现糖尿病高危人群的影响

根据口服糖耐量试验将34例沈阳地区研究对象分为正常糖耐量(NGT)组、新生腹血糖受损(新IFG)组、新糖耐量减低(新IGT)组和旧糖耐量减低(旧IGT)组.运用高胰岛素正葡萄糖钳夹技术测定胰岛素抵抗程度,用静脉葡萄糖刺激胰岛素释放试验测定胰岛素一相分泌量和二相分泌量.结果胰岛素钳夹试验NGT、新IFG、新IGT、旧IGT组的葡萄糖输注速率(GIR,mg/kg/min)分别为10.2±0.9;6.0±0.9;58±0.7;44±0.3.新IFG、新IGT、旧IGT组均比NGT组显著减低(P＜0.001;P＜0.001;P＜0.001).胰岛β细胞功能①胰岛素-相分泌量(mU/l)新IFG、新IGT、旧IGT组分别为220±61;331±89;115±18;与NGT组(221±27)相比,新IFG和NGT组处于同一水平,但新IGT有高于NGT组的趋势,而旧IGT组有降低趋势但无统计学差异(P＞0.05).②胰岛素二相分泌量(mU/l)NGT、新IFG、新IGT、旧IGT组分别为88±7;110±19;220±80;122±7,新IGT组明显高于其它三组(P＜0.01;P＜0.05;P＜0.05).结论新旧空腹血糖切点划分出的IGR均出现了胰岛素抵抗,胰岛素的分泌模式也和NGT有了差异.     

不同糖代谢状态下游离脂肪酸与胰岛素抵抗和胰岛β细胞功能的相关性研究

目的　游离脂肪酸 (FFAs)水平在不同糖代谢状态下对胰岛素抵抗和胰岛 β细胞分泌功能的影响。 方法　选自2 0 0 1- 0 5 2 0 0 3- 11在中国医科大学附属第一医院住院的糖耐量正常 (NGT) 2 8例 ,空腹血糖异常 (IFG)患者 2 0例 ,糖耐量低减 (IGT)患者 2 3例 ,IFG/IGT患者 2 6例 ,2型糖尿病 (T2DM)患者 2 5例。测定各组FFAs水平 ,稳态模型评估胰岛素敏感性 ,HOMA IS及OGTT中糖负荷后 30分钟胰岛素增值与血糖增值的比值评估胰岛 (细胞分泌功能。结果　 (1)IGT组、IFG/IGT组及T2DM组患者FFAs水平明显高于NGT组 ;IFG/IGT组患者FFAs水平明显高于IFG组 ;T2DM组患者FFAs水平低于IGT组。 (2 )IGT组、IFG/IGT组及T2DM组患者HOMA IR均明显高于NGT组。(3)胰岛素分泌功能均以T2DM患者变化最显著。 (4)FFAs与HOMA -IR呈正相关 ;FFAs与胰岛素分泌指数呈负相关 ,FFAs与HOMA β细胞功能指数呈负相关。 结论　FFAs水平与胰岛素抵抗和胰岛素分泌缺陷密切相关     

High prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: Over a period of 30 months, 175 patients with PCOS were recruited to a prospective multicenter study to evaluate thyroid function and morphology; 168 age-matched women without PCOS were studied as a control group. METHODS: PCOS was defined as a- or oligomenorrhea, hyperandrogenism and exclusion of other disturbances of estrogen or androgen synthesis. All laboratory parameters were determined with automated immunoassays. Thyroid morphology was assessed by ultrasound. RESULTS: PCOS patients were characterized by an increased LH/FSH ratio, low progesterone, elevated testosterone and a high prevalence of hirsutism (PCOS 83%, control 3%; mean hirsutism score 12+/-5 and 3+/-2 respectively), but no differences in estrogen levels were found. Thyroid function and thyroid-specific antibody tests revealed elevated thyroperoxidase (TPO) or thyroglobulin (TG) antibodies in 14 of 168 controls (8.3%), and in 47 of 175 patients with PCOS (26.9%; P<0.001). On thyroid ultrasound, 42.3% of PCOS patients, but only 6.5% of the controls (P<0.001) had a hypoechoic tissue typical of AIT; while thyroid hormone levels were normal in all subjects, PCOS patients had a higher mean TSH level (P<0.001) and a higher incidence of TSH levels above the upper limit of normal (PCOS 10.9%, controls 1.8%; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: This prospective study demonstrates a threefold higher prevalence of AIT in patients with PCOS, correlated in part with an increased estrogen-to-progesterone ratio and characterized by early manifestation of the disease.     

Increased C-reactive protein levels in the polycystic ovary syndrome: a marker of cardiovascular disease

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common reproductive abnormalities, shares some components of the metabolic cardiovascular syndrome. Therefore, PCOS patients may represent the largest group of women at high risk for the development of early-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or diabetes. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a strong independent predictor of future CVD and/or stroke. Only one small published study has looked for such an association (17 PCOS patients vs. 15 controls). The objective of this study was to compare the levels of CRP and other risk factors of CVD in a large group of PCOS patients and controls. CRP measurements were undertaken in 116 PCOS patients and 94 body mass index-matched controls with regular menstrual cycles. Whereas 36.8% of the PCOS patients had CRP levels above 5 mg/liter, only 9.6% of the controls exhibited high CRP levels (P < 0.001). The mean +/- SD was 5.46 +/- 7.0 in the PCOS group vs. 2.04 +/- 1.9 mg/liter in the control (P < 0.001). The body mass index, white blood cell count, TSH, glucose, cholesterol, and homocysteine levels were not significantly different between the two groups. CRP levels are elevated in patients with PCOS and may be a marker of early cardiovascular risk in these patients. High CRP levels may explain why some PCOS women may possibly be at an increased risk for the development of early-onset CVD. Consequently, whether treatment regimens directed toward lowering CVD risk factors should be more aggressive for those PCOS women with increased CRP levels, awaits further clinical experience.     

Prevalence of adrenal androgen excess in patients with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of adrenal androgen (AA) excess in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using age- and race-specific normative values. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. PATIENTS: One hundred and eight-two (88 Black and 94 White) age-matched healthy eumenorrhoeic nonhirsute women (controls) and 213 (27 Black and 186 White) women with PCOS were recruited. MEASUREMENTS: Total testosterone (T), free T, androstenedione (A4), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and SHBG, as well as fasting insulin and glucose, were measured in plasma. RESULTS: The mean total T, free T, A4, DHEAS and body mass index (BMI) were higher in women with PCOS than in control women. DHEAS levels were significantly lower in Black controls than White controls, whereas fasting insulin and BMI were higher in Black controls. In control and Black PCOS women, DHEAS levels did not correlate with BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) or fasting insulin. Among White women with PCOS, DHEAS levels correlated negatively with BMI and fasting insulin. DHEAS levels decreased similarly with age in control and PCOS women of either race. For each race and age group the upper 95% normative values for log DHEAS was calculated, and the number of PCOS subjects with log DHEAS values above this level were assessed. The prevalence of supranormal DHEAS levels was 33.3% and 19.9%, respectively, among Black and White women with PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DHEAS excess is approximately 20% among White and 30% among Black PCOS patients, when using age- and race-adjusted normative values. This study also indicates that the age-associated decline in DHEAS levels is observable and similar in both control and PCOS women, regardless of race. While BMI and fasting insulin had little impact on circulating DHEAS levels in healthy women, among White PCOS patients these parameters were negatively associated with circulating DHEAS levels.     

The significance of a single serum LH measurement in women with cycle disturbances: discrepancies between immunoreactive and bioactive hormone estimates.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the significance of single serum LH estimates (as assessed by radiometric assay (IRMA) and Leydig cell in-vitro bioassay (BIO)) for the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women with infertility and cycle abnormalities. DESIGN: Hormonal and clinical comparisons between subgroups were made based on classification according to (a) rigid clinical and endocrine (excluding LH) characteristics of PCOS, (b) elevated IRMA-LH concentrations, (c) BIO-LH levels. In addition, androgen modulation of LH biopotency was studied in these patients. PATIENTS: Ninety-nine women presenting at our infertility Unit with oligo/amenorrhoea. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Of the total study group, 35 women were diagnosed positive as PCOS and 42 showed elevated IRMA-LH levels. Only 51% (n = 18) of PCOS patients showed elevated IRMA-LH levels, and in PCOS significantly higher levels of BIO-LH, androstenedione, oestrone, and BIO/IRMA-LH ratios were found as compared to non-PCOS patients. In the group with elevated IRMA-LH only 43% (n = 18) of subjects were diagnosed as PCOS, and no difference in BIO/IRMA-LH ratios was found. With increasing BIO-LH levels the probability of PCOS rises sharply (P < 0.001), whereas this probability is of only marginal significance (P < 0.06) for IRMA-LH. In the total study group a correlation is observed between serum testosterone (T) levels and IRMA-LH (r = 0.47), and BIO-LH (r = 0.51) concentrations. This correlation is absent comparing serum T and BIO/IRMA-LH ratios (r = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Results presented in this study indicate that (1) women with infertility and oligo/amenorrhoea classified based on signs of PCOS or IRMA-LH levels, exhibit different clinical and endocrine characteristics, (2) only 51% of PCOS women exhibit elevated IRMA-LH concentrations, and only 43% of women with elevated IRMA-LH were diagnosed as PCOS, (3) IRMA-LH levels are a poor predictor of PCOS, whereas the predictive value of BIO-LH is better, (4) elevated BIO/IRMA-LH ratios in PCOS are dependent on alterations in BIO-LH, rather than IRMA-LH concentrations, and (5) no correlation was observed between serum T levels and BIO/IRMA-LH ratios.     

Spironolactone as a single agent for long-term therapy of hirsute patients

OBJECTIVE: To assess the androgen-suppressing effect of spironolactone, and the use of this drug as a single agent in the long-term therapy of hirsute patients with either polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or idiopathic hirsutism (IH). Standard cyproterone acetate (CPA) treatment was used to evaluate the results obtained with spironolactone. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. PATIENTS: Forty-six hirsute women were separated randomly into two groups, stratified for polycystic ovary syndrome. For 12 months, Group 1 (21 patients, 10 PCOS) received spironolactone only (200 mg/day). Group 2 (23 patients, nine PCOS) received CPA (50 mg/day) with ethinyl oestradiol (35 microgram/day). MEASUREMENTS: Ferriman-Gallwey clinical score for hirsutism and serum testosterone, androstenedione, and LH levels. RESULTS: In IH patients, hirsutism regressed equally with spironolactone (21 +/- 2-14.5 +/- 2) and CPA (23 +/- 2-13 +/- 2). In PCOS patients, the mean score for hirsutism after 12 months was significantly lower with CPA (12 +/- 1) than with spironolactone (16 +/- 1). Testosterone levels did not change with spironolactone; with CPA there was a decrease from baseline in PCOS (47% and 51%, 6 and 12 months) and IH patients (31% and 30%). Androstenedione levels also declined from baseline in CPA-treated PCOS patients (38% and 39%, 6 and 12 months). Androgen levels were significantly different between the groups after 6 and 12 months. LH levels decreased with CPA (72%) but not with spironolactone. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that spironolactone used as a single agent is as effective as cyproterone acetate combined with oestradiol for long-term treatment of patients with idiopathic hirsutism. In PCOS patients, spironolactone is still effective for reducing hirsutism; however, for treatment of the hormonal or metabolic manifestations associated with PCOS, it may be necessary to combine spironolactone with either an antigonadotrophic agent or a drug that improves peripheral insulin sensitivity.     

Abdominal fat quantity and distribution in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and extent of its relation to insulin resistance

CONTEXT: Increased abdominal fat has been linked to insulin resistance and increased cardiovascular risk. Because many patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) present abdominal obesity, it may be the cause of insulin resistance in this disorder. SETTING: Fat quantity and distribution were evaluated by dual x-ray absorptiometry at the Departments of Clinical Medicine at the University of Palermo and the University of Naples, Italy. PATIENTS: A total of 110 patients with PCOS and 112 weight-matched controls were studied. Anthropometric data, blood glucose, serum insulin, and testosterone were evaluated. Total, trunk, and central abdominal fat quantity were measured by total-body dual x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Compared with weight-matched controls, patients with PCOS had similar quantity of total and trunk fat but higher quantity of central abdominal fat. This difference was not observed when comparing obese PCOS and obese controls but depended on differences between overweight and normoweight patients and controls. All obese subjects, independently of having PCOS or not, had increased central abdominal fat. The same parameter was increased in 71% of overweight PCOS, 50% of overweight controls, and 30% of normoweight PCOS patients. PCOS patients with increased central abdominal fat had significantly higher (P < 0.01) insulin levels and significantly reduced (P < 0.01) insulin sensitivity than controls with similar quantities of central abdominal fat. Overweight PCOS patients with normal abdominal fat had significantly higher (P < 0.05) insulin levels and significantly reduced (P < 0.05) insulin sensitivity than overweight controls with normal abdominal fat. CONCLUSIONS: Most obese subjects, independent of being affected by PCOS, have an abdominal form of obesity. However, abdominal fat excess may not be the only determinant of insulin resistance in PCOS.     

The effect of weight loss and treatment with metformin on serum vaspin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Many patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have insulin resistance, obesity (mostly visceral) and glucose intolerance, conditions associated with abnormalities in the production of vaspin, a novel adipokine that appears to preserve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. The aim of the study was to assess serum vaspin levels in PCOS and the effects on vaspin levels of metformin or of weight loss. We studied 79 patients with PCOS and 50 healthy female volunteers. Normal weight patients with PCOS (n=25) were treated with metformin 850 mg bid for 6 months. Overweight/obese patients with PCOS (n=54) were prescribed a normal-protein, energy-restricted diet for 6 months; half of them were also given orlistat 120 mg tid and the rest were given sibutramine 10 mg qd. At baseline and after 6 months, serum vaspin levels and anthropometric, metabolic and hormonal features of PCOS were determined. Overall, patients with PCOS had higher vaspin levels than controls (p=0.021). Normal weight patients with PCOS had higher vaspin levels than normal weight controls (p=0.043). Vaspin levels were non-significantly higher in overweight/obese patients with PCOS than in overweight/obese controls. In normal weight patients with PCOS, metformin reduced vaspin levels non-significantly. In overweight/obese patients with PCOS, diet plus orlistat or sibutramine did not affect vaspin levels. Vaspin levels were independently correlated with body mass index in women with PCOS (p=0.001) and with waist circumference in controls (p=0.015). In conclusion, serum vaspin levels are elevated in PCOS but neither a small weight loss nor metformin affect vaspin levels significantly.     

Early impairment of endothelial structure and function in young normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of early vascular damage in young normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Thirty young normal-weight women with PCOS, who had no additional metabolic or cardiovascular diseases, and 30 healthy women (controls) matched for age and body mass index were studied. A complete hormonal assay was performed in each subject. Serum insulin and glucose levels were measured at baseline and after the oral glucose tolerance test. Plasma endothelin-1 levels and serum lipid profile were also assessed. The endothelial function was studied by flow-mediated dilation on the brachial artery, and arterial structure was evaluated by intima-media thickness measurement using Doppler ultrasound of both common carotid arteries.A significant (P < 0.05) difference in flow-mediated dilation (14.3 +/- 1.9% vs. 18.1 +/- 2.0% for PCOS patients and controls, respectively) and in intima-media thickness (0.53 +/- 0.09 mm vs. 0.39 +/- 0.08 mm for PCOS patients and controls, respectively) was found between PCOS and control subjects. Serum endothelin-1 levels were also significantly (P < 0.05) higher in PCOS patients compared with controls (1.1 +/- 0.4 pmol/liter vs. 0.5 +/- 0.2 pmol/liter for PCOS patients and controls, respectively).In conclusion, our data show that young, normal-weight, nondyslipidemic, nonhypertensive women with PCOS have an early impairment of endothelial structure and function.     

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Insulin resistance is a common feature of both nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), therefore, we hypothesize that PCOS and NAFLD may coexist. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency and characteristics of NAFLD in women with PCOS. METHODS: A prospective study of patients with PCOS and no current pharmacological treatment was conducted. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound following exclusion of alcohol consumption, viral, or autoimmune liver disease. Anthropometric variables, serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipids and aminotransferases, and HOMA index were determined. RESULTS: Forty-one PCOS patients (mean age: 24.6+/-7.2yr, mean body mass index [BMI]: 30.3+/-7.0kg/m(2)) were included; 26 of 41 PCOS patients (63.4%) had insulin resistance and 17 (41.5%) had NAFLD. Nine of the NAFLD patients (64%) also had abnormal aminotransferases. Women with NAFLD and PCOS had a higher HOMA index and a higher waist-hip ratio than those with normal ultrasound. Patients with PCOS showed a higher frequency of NAFLD (41% vs. 19%) and insulin resistance (63% vs. 35.5%) than a control group. CONCLUSIONS: NAFLD is frequent in patients with PCOS confirming a relevant clinical association between these two conditions. Women with PCOS should be screened for liver disease.     

Exon 6 and 2 peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma polymorphisms in polycystic ovary syndrome

Obesity affects about 44% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) is one of the genes involved in the differentiation of adipose tissue. In an attempt to shed light on the high percentage of obesity in PCOS, we examined polymorphisms at exons 6 and 2 of the PPAR-gamma gene in 100 PCOS patients and in 100 healthy controls matched for age and body mass index (BMI). The T allele frequency of exon 6 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in PCOS patients compared with control women. In addition, the BMI and leptin levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in PCOS patients carrying the C-->T substitution than in controls. There was no significant difference in leptin levels after normalization for BMI. The Pro(12)Ala polymorphism at exon 2 was unrelated to BMI and/or leptin levels in PCOS women. In conclusion, the higher frequency of the C-->T substitution in exon 6 of the PPAR-gamma gene in PCOS women suggests that it plays a role in the complex pathogenetic mechanism of obesity in PCOS, whereas the Pro(12)Ala polymorphism does not seem to affect BMI in PCOS women.