Is serum leptin level regulated by thyroid functions, lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome?

Our aim was to determine whether serum leptin level is regulated by thyroid hormones, lipid metabolic products and insulin resistance status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A prospective case-controlled study was carried out in Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine in 25 lean PCOS (L-PCOS) women, 19 obese PCOS (O-PCOS) women and 28 normal women. The diagnosis of PCOS was established according to the clinical, hormonal (elevated luteinizing hormone and serum androgens) and ultrasonographic findings. Fasting serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), fasting glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) and leptin were measured and compared in the three groups and the correlations between serum levels of leptin and other parameters were evaluated. Serum leptin levels were higher in the O-PCOS group, while its level was comparable between the L-PCOS and control groups. Serum levels of FT4 were significantly lower in both L-PCOS and O-PCOS groups than the control group. Women in both L-PCOS and O-PCOS groups were found to be significantly hyperinsulinemic and insulin resistant. Serum levels of TC, VLDL-C and TG were significantly higher in the O-PCOS group, while serum HDL-C level was lower. There was a poor correlation between serum leptin, and FT4, TC, TG, HDL-C and VLDL-C levels. A significant correlation was observed between serum leptin levels and both BMI and insulin resistance status in PCOS. We believe that, although thyroid hormones and lipid metabolic products do not seem to participate in the regulation of serum leptin levels, BMI and insulin resistance status may have a key role in women with PCOS.     

Are serum chemerin levels different between obese and non-obese polycystic ovary syndrome women?

The objective of this study is to measure serum chemerin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and assess their relationship with clinical, metabolic, and hormonal parameters. One hundred eighteen PCOS women and 114 healthy women were recruited in this study. Their blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), fasting insulin (FIN), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), blood serum sex hormone, and blood lipid were measured. Serum chemerin, leptin, and adiponectin were measured by ELISA. Serum chemerin was significantly higher in the obese PCOS group (47.62?±?11.27?ng/mL) compared with non-obese PCOS (37.10?±?9.55?ng/mL) and the obese (33.71?±?6.17?ng/mL) and non-obese (25.78?±?6.93?ng/mL) control groups (p?p?相似文献   

Levels of lipoprotein and homocysteine in non-obese and obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Aim.?This study was designed to examine the relationship between homocysteine (Hcy), lipoprotein levels and insulin resistance in obese and non-obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Materials and methods.?Eighty-five patients (38 obese, 47 non-obese) with PCOS and 50 healthy subjects (25 obese, 25 non-obese) were included in the study. PCOS was defined according to the Homburg criterion. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), insulin, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, vitamin B₁₂ and folate were measured. Also, serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), apoprotein B (Apo B) and apoprotein A (Apo A) were determined. Plasma Hcy levels were measured. Insulin resistance was evaluated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA).

Results.?Plasma Hcy levels were significantly higher in women with PCOS than in healthy women. HOMA-R (insulin resistance) was significantly higher in women with PCOS compared with healthy women. Serum fasting TC, LDL-C, TG, Apo B, vitamin B₁₂ and folate levels were similar between PCOS and control groups. Lp(a) levels were higher in PCOS patients than in control subjects, whereas HDL-C and Apo A levels were lower. Compared with obese PCOS subjects, non-obese PCOS subjects had low HOMA-R, TC, LDL-C, TG, Apo B, Lp(a) and androgen levels. Plasma Hcy levels, serum HDL-C and Apo A levels were similar between obese and non-obese women with PCOS. Levels of HDL-C and Apo A were lower in both obese and non-obese PCOS patients than in obese and non-obese control subjects, whereas Lp(a) levels were higher. No correlation was observed between plasma Hcy, body mass index, HOMA-R, serum androgen levels, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, Apo A, Apo B and Lp(a) levels.

Conclusion.?These results showed that elevated insulin resistance and plasma Hcy levels, and changes in serum lipid profile, which are possible risk factors for cardiovascular disorders, play important roles in the development of cardiovascular disease in both obese and non-obese patients with PCOS.     

Levels of lipoprotein and homocysteine in non-obese and obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

AIM: This study was designed to examine the relationship between homocysteine (Hcy), lipoprotein levels and insulin resistance in obese and non-obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-five patients (38 obese, 47 non-obese) with PCOS and 50 healthy subjects (25 obese, 25 non-obese) were included in the study. PCOS was defined according to the Homburg criterion. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), insulin, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, vitamin B12 and folate were measured. Also, serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), apoprotein B (Apo B) and apoprotein A (Apo A) were determined. Plasma Hcy levels were measured. Insulin resistance was evaluated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). RESULTS: Plasma Hcy levels were significantly higher in women with PCOS than in healthy women. HOMA-R (insulin resistance) was significantly higher in women with PCOS compared with healthy women. Serum fasting TC, LDL-C, TG, Apo B, vitamin B12 and folate levels were similar between PCOS and control groups. Lp(a) levels were higher in PCOS patients than in control subjects, whereas HDL-C and Apo A levels were lower. Compared with obese PCOS subjects, non-obese PCOS subjects had low HOMA-R, TC, LDL-C, TG, Apo B, Lp(a) and androgen levels. Plasma Hcy levels, serum HDL-C and Apo A levels were similar between obese and non-obese women with PCOS. Levels of HDL-C and Apo A were lower in both obese and non-obese PCOS patients than in obese and non-obese control subjects, whereas Lp(a) levels were higher. No correlation was observed between plasma Hcy, body mass index, HOMA-R, serum androgen levels, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, Apo A, Apo B and Lp(a) levels. CONCLUSION: These results showed that elevated insulin resistance and plasma Hcy levels, and changes in serum lipid profile, which are possible risk factors for cardiovascular disorders, play important roles in the development of cardiovascular disease in both obese and non-obese patients with PCOS.     

A Study of Lipoproteins in Normal and Pregnancy Induced Hypertensive Women in Tertiary Care Hospitals of the North West Frontier Province-Pakistan

Objectives. To evaluate the levels of serum lipoproteins in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension and compare it with the corresponding levels in pregnant women having normal blood pressure. Method. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the three tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar, North West Frontier Province, Pakistan. A total of 206 pregnant women at gestational age of >20 weeks were registered in the study after taking informed consent. All relevant information was recorded on a predesigned questionnaire. Serum total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured in 151 women with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and compared with the corresponding values for a control group of 55 normotensive pregnant women. Result. Cholesterol levels were not statistically different between the patient group and controls. Triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the patient group than in controls. Women who developed hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation had 6.7, 4.2, 40.5, and 39.7% higher concentrations of TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and TG, respectively, and 28, 22.4, and 67.6% higher ratios of TC : HDL-C, LDL-C : HDL-C, and TG : HDL-C, respectively, as compared to the control subjects. The mean difference of the concentrations of HDL-C, VLDL-C, and TG, and the ratios TC : HDL-C, LDL-C : HDL-C, TG : HDL-C, and HDL-C : VLDL-C between the patients and control group was statistically significant. Conclusion. The assessment of blood lipids may be helpful in the prevention of complications in PIH patients.     

戊炔雌三醇补充治疗对绝经后高胆固醇血症妇女脂蛋白、瘦素及性激素水平的影响

目的 :探讨绝经后高胆固醇血症妇女经戊炔雌三醇补充治疗后血中脂蛋白、瘦素 (leptin)及性激素水平的改变。方法 :选择 4 6例绝经后高胆固醇血症的妇女 ,给予戊炔雌三醇 2mg,1次 / 2周 ,甲羟孕酮 (安宫黄体酮 ) 2mg ,1次 /隔日治疗。于治疗后 3个月、6个月测定空腹血中胆固醇、瘦素及性激素的值 ,并在治疗后 12个月、18个月、2 4个月、30个月、36个月继续监测胆固醇水平。结果 :治疗后 3个月、6个月与治疗前相比 ,血中高密度脂蛋白 (HDL C)显著升高 ,低密度脂蛋白 (LDL C)显著下降 ,总胆固醇 (TC)有所降低 ,但差异无显著性 ;体重及体重指数略有降低 ,差异无显著性 ,Lep tin水平治疗后稍有降低但差异无显著性 ;促卵泡生成激素 (FSH)和黄体生成素 (LH)均有明显下降 (P <0 .0 1)。治疗后18～ 36个月HDL C、LDL C、TC均处于基本稳定的水平 ,而甘油三脂 (TG)在整个治疗过程中基本无变化。结论 :戊炔雌三醇补充治疗对于具有高胆固醇血症的绝经妇女血清脂蛋白水平具有有益的影响     

脂源性细胞因子与子痫前期关系的研究

目的:探讨子痫前期(PE)患者血清脂源性细胞因子(脂联素和瘦素)水平的变化及其意义。方法:以53例子痫前期孕妇为研究组(其中轻度子痫前期32例、重度子痫前期21例),20例同期分娩的正常孕妇为对照组。采用ELISA法检测血清脂联素和瘦素水平。同时检测血清甘油三脂(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)水平。结果:(1)轻度、重度子痫前期患者血清脂联素水平分别为8.88±4.67μg/m l及5.14±2.79μg/m l,明显低于对照组11.61±2.90μg/m l,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。而轻度、重度子痫前期患者血清瘦素水平为21.79±15.19ng/m l及27.27±18.38ng/m l,明显高于对照组的12.35±6.51ng/m l,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01),(2)子痫前期患者血清脂联素与TG、TC、LDL-C、HDL-C均显著相关(r分别为-0.658、-0.624、-0.419、0.461),瘦素水平也与上述指标显著相关(r分别为0.534、0.707、0.418、-0.513),(3)子痫前期患者血清脂联素及瘦素水平呈高度负相关(r=-0.760,P<0.01)。结论:脂联素、瘦素等脂源性细胞因子在PE的发病中可能起一定的作用。     

Effects of lovastatin and gemfibrozil in subjects with high ratios of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Insulin resistance is associated with hypertriglyceridemia, low serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations and high serum total cholesterol (TC) to HDL-C ratios. Several reports have demonstrated that either lovastatin or gemfibrozil may favorably lower serum lipid concentrations. However, their effects on insulin sensitivity are unknown. The primary aim of this study was to compare the effects of lovastatin and gemfibrozil on insulin sensitivity and serum leptin concentrations in subjects with high TC/HDL-C ratios. We enrolled 25 nondiabetic patients, similar in terms of age and weight with TC/HDL-C ratios greater than 5. Thirteen subjects were treated with lovastatin 20 mg per day, and 12 received gemfibrozil 300 mg twice per day. Plasma lipids, glucose, and leptin were measured, and a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a modified insulin suppression test were performed before and after 3 months of treatment. The study showed the mean plasma TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations, and TC/HDL-C ratio were significantly reduced in the lovastatin-treated group, but no obvious effects on plasma triglyceride (TG) and HDL-C were noted. In the gemfibrozil group, plasma TG and HDL-C were markedly lowered, but no significantly different effects in other plasma lipids were found. Gemfibrozil did not affect steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentrations, whereas lovastatin significantly increased SSPG concentrations. Neither drug affected the serum leptin concentration during the OGTT. We conclude that lovastatin significantly lowers plasma TC and LDL-C ratio, and TC/HDL-C concentrations and adversely affects insulin sensitivity, while gemfibrozil markedly reduces plasma TG concentrations without altering insulin sensitivity in subjects with high TC/HDL-C ratios.     

Comparison of fibrinolytic and metabolic system parameters in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and women with simple obesity.

The present study aimed to assess the fibrinolytic and metabolic system parameters in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to compare them in obese PCOS patients and women with simple obesity. We studied 19 obese women with PCOS (age: 25.1 +/- 4.6 years, body mass index (BMI): 34.7 +/- 3.9 kg/m2; mean +/- standard deviation) and 20 age- and BMI-matched ovulatory controls. We measured blood levels of 17beta-estradiol, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), glucose and insulin. The following fibrinolytic tests were also performed: euglobulin clot lysis time, plasminogen level, alpha2-antiplasmin activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity, fibrinogen concentration and estimated fibrinolytic activity. Testosterone and LH levels were significantly higher in obese women with PCOS (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). The groups did not differ with regard to 17beta-estradiol, prolactin, FSH, DHEAS, TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, glucose and insulin. All of the fibrinolysis parameters with the exception of plasminogen were comparable between the two groups. Serum plasminogen level was lower in obese PCOS patients than in women with simple obesity (p < 0.05). Euglobulin clot lysis time was positively correlated with insulin (r = 0.88, p < 0.05) in both groups. Our results show that fibrinolysis is not suppressed in women with PCOS and that there is no difference in fibrinolytic activity between obese patients with PCOS and women with simple obesity.     

Screening women with polycystic ovary syndrome for metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVE: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at an increased risk for insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that confers an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The objectives of this study were to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS and controls and to identify the role of androgens or insulin resistance in the development of metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Women with PCOS (n = 129) and women with regular menses and no hirsutism seen for an annual examination (n = 177) were studied. RESULTS: The age-adjusted prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in women with PCOS (47.3%, 95% confidence interval 35.3-56.9%) compared with controls (4.3%, 95% confidence interval 1.9-7.6%, P < .001). Compared by age group, the risk of metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS was higher for all groups (P < .001). There were no significant differences in serum androgen levels between women with PCOS with or without metabolic syndrome. In contrast, all markers of insulin resistance were abnormal in women with PCOS with metabolic syndrome compared with those without metabolic syndrome (P < .001). We found serum triglyceride/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio correlated with insulin resistance in this population (P < .001). Serum TG/HDL-C > 3.2 has a high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS. Conclusion: Women with PCOS have a 11-fold increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome compared with age-matched controls. The risk of metabolic syndrome is high even at a young age, highlighting the importance of early and regular screening. The TG/HDL-C ratio may serve as a screening tool and needs to be prospectively validated in this group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2.     

二甲双胍联合罗氟司特治疗多囊卵巢综合征的临床观察

目的：探究二甲双胍联合罗氟司特治疗多囊卵巢综合征（PCOS）的临床疗效。方法：选择2013年6月-2015年6月我院妇产科收治的53例肥胖型PCOS患者,按照患者先后治疗顺序将其分为对照组（仅给予二甲双胍治疗,前25例患者）和观察组（给予二甲双胍联合罗氟司特治疗,后28例患者）。2组患者均治疗3个月,测量治疗前后体质量、体质量指数（BMI）、腰围、血糖、胰岛素、胰岛素抵抗指数（HOMA-IR）、黄体生成激素、卵泡刺激素、雄烯二酮、总睾酮和游离睾酮。结果：2组患者在经过3个月的治疗后,观察组患者的体质量、BMI和腰围较治疗前显著下降（P＜0.05）,且观察组与对照组比较差异有统计学意义（P＜0.001）;观察组和对照组的血糖、HOMA-IR比较差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。此外,游离睾酮和雄烯二酮水平在组内治疗前后比较以及2组之间比较,差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;2组患者治疗前血脂功能指标比较,差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;治疗后观察组总胆固醇（TC）、三酰甘油（TG）、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL-C）以及低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL-C）水平均较对照组改善,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论：采用罗氟司特联合二甲双胍进一步减轻肥胖型PCOS患者的体质量,为PCOS的治疗提供了一个新的方案。     

Evaluation of endothelial dysfunction,lipid metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: relationship of paraoxonase 1 activity,malondialdehyde levels,low-density lipoprotein subfractions,and endothelial dysfunction

The aim of this study was to assess relationship of insulin resistance, oxidant-antioxidant status, endothelial dysfunction, lipid metabolism, and their contribution to the risks of cardiovascular disease in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Forty-five women with PCOS and 17 healthy women were included in this study. Nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1), malondialdehyde (MDA), Apo A1, Apo B, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, small, dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-C), large buoyant LDL cholesterol (LbLDL-C) levels, and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity were measured in serum/plasma obtained from study groups. Insulin resistance [homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index] and serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), total testosterone (tT), free testosterone (fT), androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosteronsulfate (DHEAS) levels were also evaluated. Significantly decreased SHBG, NO, HDL-C levels, and PON1 activities, but increased tT, fT, androstenedione, DHEAS, HOMA index, MDA, ET-1, LDL-C, sdLDL-C, and LbLDL-C values were found in PCOS patients compared with those of controls. There was a positive correlation between MDA and fT levels; and a negative correlation between PON1 activity and fT. Our data show that insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress might contribute to the excess risk of cardiovascular disease reported in PCOS patients.     

Comparison of fibrinolytic and metabolic system parameters in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and women with simple obesity

The present study aimed to assess the fibrinolytic and metabolic system parameters in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to compare them in obese PCOS patients and women with simple obesity. We studied 19 obese women with PCOS (age: 25.1 ± 4.6 years, body mass index (BMI): 34.7 ± 3.9 kg/m²; mean ± standard deviation) and 20 age- and BMI-matched ovulatory controls. We measured blood levels of 17β-estradiol, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), glucose and insulin. The following fibrinolytic tests were also performed: euglobulin clot lysis time, plasminogen level, α₂-antiplasmin activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity, fibrinogen concentration and estimated fibrinolytic activity. Testosterone and LH levels were significantly higher in obese women with PCOS (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). The groups did not differ with regard to 17β-estradiol, prolactin, FSH, DHEAS, TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, glucose and insulin. All of the fibrinolysis parameters with the exception of plasminogen were comparable between the two groups. Serum plasminogen level was lower in obese PCOS patients than in women with simple obesity (p < 0.05). Euglobulin clot lysis time was positively correlated with insulin (r = 0.88, p < 0.05) in both groups. Our results show that fibrinolysis is not suppressed in women with PCOS and that there is no difference in fibrinolytic activity between obese patients with PCOS and women with simple obesity.     

多囊卵巢综合征患者脂代谢的研究

目的探讨多囊卵巢综合征（ＰＣＯＳ）患者雄激素过多和胰岛素抵抗与脂代谢的关系。方法对黄体生成素（ＬＨ）／卵泡刺激素（ＦＳＨ）≥３的１５例Ⅰ型组患者、ＬＨ／ＦＳＨ＜３的１５例Ⅱ型组患者和２０例对照组妇女,行黄体生成素释放激素（ＬＲＨ,１００μｇ）兴奋垂体－卵巢轴功能试验,观察试验前后３组睾酮（Ｔ）、甘油三酯（ＴＧ）、高密度脂蛋白－胆固醇（ＨＤＬ－Ｃ）及其载脂蛋白（Ａ１）（ａｐｏＡ１）的变化。结果基础状态下,ＴＧ浓度高低顺序是对照组＜Ⅰ型组＜Ⅱ型组,ＨＤＬ－Ｃ的情况正好相反;ＬＲＨ试验后,两个患者组Ｔ和ＴＧ均呈上升曲线,ＨＤＬ－Ｃ呈下降曲线,尤其以Ⅱ型组的变化更加明显。结论Ⅱ型组患者的脂代谢异常比Ⅰ型组更加严重。雄激素过多和胰岛素抵抗是ＰＣＯＳ患者脂代谢异常的两个基本因素。     

Impaired uterine perfusion associated with metabolic disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including chronic anovulation, obesity, hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia, are commonly observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We evaluated uterine perfusion and its correlation with clinical and biochemical parameters in women with PCOS. METHODS: We performed a pulsed Doppler study on uterine arterial blood flow in 25 women with PCOS and 45 control women with regular menstrual cycles. PCOS was diagnosed based on oligomenorrhea, polycystic ovaries determined by means of ultrasonography, and elevated luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio. RESULTS: Women with PCOS had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) and serum testosterone, and showed insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, including increased total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). The uterine arterial pulsatility index (PI) in women with PCOS was significantly higher than that in the control women during the follicular phase. The PI was correlated with BMI, LH/FSH ratio, or LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, whereas it was inversely correlated with the HDL-C level. Women with PCOS had reduced endometrial thickness and elevated uterine arterial PI in the luteal phase, in which implantation occurs. CONCLUSIONS: Elevation of uterine arterial blood flow resistance is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular events. Furthermore, the impaired uterine perfusion in the luteal phase may cause endometrial dysfunction in women with PCOS.     

Relationship of body fat distribution by waist circumference, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and ultrasonography to insulin resistance by homeostasis model assessment and lipid profile in obese and non-obese postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate body fat distribution evaluated by waist circumference, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and ultrasonography to insulin resistance and lipid profile in obese and non-obese postmenopausal women. METHODS: We studied 40 obese and 47 non-obese postmenopausal women, assessing obesity by measuring waist circumference and fat tissue using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and ultrasonography, and examining their correlation with metabolic parameters: insulin resistance as determined by the homeostasis model assessment technique (HOMA-IR) and lipid profile including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), very-low-density lipoprotein, lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and apoplipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I). RESULTS: There was no difference in lipid profile between the two groups. Insulin resistance was the metabolic disturbance of highest prevalence in the obese group, evaluated by HOMA-IR (obese: 3.38 +/- 2.2; non-obese: 1.20 +/- 0.7; p < 0.001). Obesity was not a confounding factor in linear regression analyses among HOMA-IR, HDL-C, TG, Lp(a), Apo A-I and the methods used to measure body fat distribution. Waist circumference was the method that best explained HOMA-IR (R(2) = 34.9%, p < 0.001) and TG concentration (R(2) = 10.9%, p = 0.002). HDL-C presented a positive association with subcutaneous fat evaluated by ultrasonography (R(2) = 12.5%, p < 0.001). Obesity was a confounding factor in multiple regression analyses between TC and LDL-C, when related to abdominal fat evaluated by ultrasonography, and resulted in a positive association among the obese and a negative association among the non-obese women. The sensibility of this method was related to the quantity of fat in the visceral region. CONCLUSIONS: Waist circumference showed the highest association with insulin resistance. Fat distribution evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and ultrasound was also associated with insulin resistance, but with lower intensity. The relationship of visceral fat distribution evaluated by ultrasound to TC cholesterol and LDL-C showed opposed results between obese and non-obese menopausal women.     

Serum leptin levels correlate with obesity parameters but not with hyperinsulinism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To examine serum leptin concentrations in obese and lean patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to assess whether the changes in leptin levels are due to obesity or hormonal alterations. DESIGN: Controlled clinical study. SETTING: Academic research environment. PATIENT(S): Obese and lean women with PCOS. INTERVENTION(S): Blood samples were collected before and after food consumption. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Serum leptin and insulin levels. RESULT(S): Serum leptin concentrations were significantly correlated with body mass index (r = 0.649) and also with HOMA (r = 0.535). However, after controlling for body mass index in a partial correlation analysis, no significant correlation was found between serum leptin levels and HOMA or hyperinsulinemia. While lean patients with PCOS had a significant correlation between leptin concentrations and obesity parameters, they did not show any significant correlation with insulin resistance parameters. CONCLUSION(S): Although leptin concentrations in women with PCOS correlate with insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia, this is related only to obesity.     

Serum leptin levels in normal-weight and overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome

The aim of this study was to evaluate serum leptin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in controls with normal or abnormal body mass index (BMI), since the literature data are contradictory. The study population comprised 34 women with PCOS and 30 regularly cycling women, with normal or abnormal BMI. PCOS was defined by clinical, ultrasonographic, and hormonal findings. The women were divided into four groups according to the diagnosis of PCOS and their BMI values. In all women serum levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA-S, 17alpha-OH progesterone, SHBG, insulin, glucose and leptin were determined. It was found that: (a) there was a significant interaction between BMI and PCOS in increasing serum leptin levels; (b) the dominant factor for serum leptin levels in women of all Groups was BMI, followed by insulin; (c) once we corrected for BMI, it was found that there was a significant correlation between serum leptin levels and insulin values, as well as between serum leptin levels and testosterone concentrations; and (d) the QUICKI IR formula presented the most significant correlation with serum leptin levels than the other measures of insulin sensitivity. Our results showed that serum leptin levels in a subgroup of overweight women with PCOS and insulin resistance were higher than those expected for their BMI, and therefore leptin might interfere in the pathogenesis of this syndrome.     

Plasma selenium levels in Turkish women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective(s)

To evaluate selenium (Se) levels in serum and their relation with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance (IR) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in control subjects.

Study design

Women with any gynecological problem who presented to the Kahramanmaras Sutcuimam University Medical Faculty Gynecology and Obstetric Outpatient Clinic were invited to participate. Group 1 consisted of 36 cases with a diagnosis of PCOS according to the 2003 Rotterdam Consensus Criteria, and Group 2 (control group) consisted of 33 age- and BMI-matched healthy women. In all cases, serum total testosterone (tT), dihydroepiandrostenedione-sulfate (DHEAS), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), insulin, glucose (mg/dL), total cholesterol (TC) (mg/dL), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (mg/dL), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (mg/dL), triglyceride (TG) (mg/dL) and Se levels were measured.

Results

The level of FSH was significantly lower, and the levels of LH, E2, tT, and DHEAS were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p < 0.05). The hirsutism score was significantly higher among PCOS women compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Although insulin levels and HOMA-IR were markedly increased in the PCOS group compared to the control group, the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). The plasma Se level was significantly lower in PCOS women compared to the control group (p < 0.05). When we combined the all women in two groups, regarding them as one group (combined group, n = 69), a negative correlation between Se and LH and tT was present (p < 0.05).

Conclusion(s)

Our results show decreased plasma concentrations of Se and a negative correlation between Se and LH, tT in women with PCOS. These results indicate that Se may play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS related with hyperandrogenism.     

Serum visfatin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

The aim of this study is to determine the serum levels of visfatin in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to understand its correlations with other metabolic and hormonal parameters. Thirty-seven patients with PCOS and 30 women without concomitant disease were included in this study. Serum visfatin levels were similar in patients with PCOS and control group. Visfatin levels were higher in normal weight PCOS when compared with obese PCOS, but it did not reach statistical significance. Visfatin levels correlated negatively with fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and lipoprotein-a levels in PCOS patients. CRP levels increased both in obese PCOS and in obese controls. Plasma visfatin levels had no correlation with homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance and fasting insulin levels, but the negative correlation between plasma visfatin levels and lipoprotein-a, fasting plasma glucose, TC and LDL levels may indicate a role for visfatin in cardiovascular disease independent of insulin resistance.