Cigarette smoking,nicotine levels and increased risk for metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at risk for metabolic syndrome, which may be exacerbated by smoking. We hypothesized that smoking worsens androgen levels and the metabolic profile in women with PCOS. PCOS smokers (n?=?47) and non-smokers (n?=?64) and control smokers (n?=?30) and non-smokers (n?=?28), aged 18–45 years, underwent anthropomorphic measurements, pelvic ultrasound and blood sampling. Smokers had higher cotinine (801?±?83 versus <11?nmol/L; smokers versus non-smokers, respectively; p?<?0.001) and nicotine levels (37?±?4 versus <12?µmol/L; p?<?0.001). Triglyceride levels were higher in women with PCOS who smoked compared to non-smokers (1.55?±?0.18 versus 0.95?±?0.08?mmol/L; p?<?0.001), even when adjusted for BMI. Metabolic syndrome was more common in smokers with PCOS compared to non-smokers with PCOS and smokers who were controls (28.6 versus 3.6%; p?=?0.02). There were no differences in reproductive parameters including androgen levels. Cotinine (r?=?0.3; p?<?0.001) and nicotine levels (r?=?0.2; p?=?0.005) correlated with triglycerides. Nicotine levels also correlated with pulse rate (r?=?0.2; p?=?0.02) and waist:hip ratio (WHR; r?=?0.2; p?=?0.02). Taken together, smoking may worsen the already high risk for metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS.     

Probiotic supplementation and the effects on weight loss,glycaemia and lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of probiotic supplementation on weight loss, glycaemia and lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 women with PCOS were randomized to receive probiotic capsule (n?=?30) or placebo (n?=?30) for 12 weeks. Consumption of probiotic supplements resulted in a significant reduction in weight (?0.5?±?0.4 vs.?+0.1?±?1.0?kg, p?=?0.004) and BMI (?0.2?±?0.2 vs.?+0.03?±?0.4?kg/m², p = 0.004) compared with the placebo. In addition, compared with the placebo, probiotic administration was associated with a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose (?2.4?±?8.4 vs.?+2.1?±?7.0?mg/dL, p?=?0.02), serum insulin concentrations (?2.0?±?5.8 vs.?+1.6?±?5.0?μIU/mL, p?=?0.01), homoeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (?0.5?±?1.4 vs.?+0.3?±?1.1, p?=?0.01), homoeostatic model assessment-beta cell function (?7.5?±?22.3 vs.?+6.3?±?21.7, p?=?0.01), serum triglycerides (?13.3?±?51.3 vs.?+13.6?±?37.1?mg/dL, p=?0.02) and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (+0.006?±?0.01 vs. ?0.005?±?0.02, p = 0.01). When we adjusted the analysis for baseline values of biochemical parameters, age and baseline BMI, except for QUICKI (p?=?0.08), other findings did not alter. We found that probiotic supplementation among PCOS women for 12 weeks had favourable effects on weight loss, markers of insulin resistance, triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol concentrations.     

Omentin and chemerin and their association with obesity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

We aimed to investigate whether overweight/obesity is associated with omentin and chemerin. The study group consisted of 81 women with Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) (41 lean, BMI?2 and 40 overweight or obese, BMI?>?25?kg/m²) and 61 healthy subjects (31 lean, BMI?2 and 30 overweight or obese, BMI?>?25?kg/m²; control group). The clinical, endocrine, metabolic parameters, plasma omentin and chemerin levels were measured in patients and compared to control. In all subjects with PCOS (n?=?80), serum chemerin levels were higher compared with those of the controls (n?=?58) (7.71?±?1.78?ng/mL versus 6.94?±?0.82?ng/mL, p?=?0.003). However, serum omentin levels were not significantly different between the PCOS subjects and the controls (1.55?±?0.43?ng/mL versus 1.69?±?0.37?ng/mL, p?=?0.056). The mean chemerin concentrations were significantly elevated in the obese PCOS group compared with the obese control subjects (8.98?±?1.45?ng/mL versus 7.02?±?0.67?ng/mL, p?=?0.000) and the nonobese PCOS group compared with the obese control subjects (6.57?±?1.17?ng/mL versus 7.02?±?0.67?ng/mL, p?=?0.000). In conclusion, fat mass seems to be the main determinant factor of increased chemerin and decreased omentin in women with PCOS.     

Serum fibroblast growth factor 21 levels in polycystic ovary syndrome

Aim.?This study was designed to measure serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy subjects.

Methods.?A total of 37 women were evaluated. Serum levels FGF21, glucose, lipid profile, hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, oestradiol, testosterone, thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin and insulin) were determined in 24 PCOS (15 subjects of PCOS BMI?<?25?kg/m², 9 subjects of PCOS BMI?≥?25?kg/m²) and 13 control group (BMI?<?25?kg/m²).

Results.?Serum FGF21 levels were higher in the PCOS group [99.5 (173.7) pg/ml] than in the control group [52.0 (88.0) pg/ml]. LH and T are significantly higher in PCOS cases (respectively; p?<?0.05, p?<?0.01). A positive correlation was found between FGF21 and luteinising hormone and testosterone (respectively; r?=?0.43 p?=?0.007, r?=?0.38, p?=?0.02). Multivariate discriminant analysis showed that BMI, triglyceride, HOMA-IR, fasting glucose with rise of FGF21 were found significant in PCOS.

Conclusion.?Our study indicates that FGF21 in cases with PCOS exhibit an increase along with the increase of BMI and also has a positive correlation with LH and T. Further studies are required to clarify the aetiology and effects of FGF21 in women with PCOS.     

High DHEAS/free testosterone ratio is related to better metabolic parameters in women with PCOS

Abstract

Aims: To demonstrate the effects of DHEAS/free testosterone (DHEAS/FT) ratio on metabolic parameters in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: The data of 91 women with PCOS and 66 women in the control group were collected retrospectively.

Results: DHEAS/FT of the control group was higher than that of PCOS group (684.93?±?300.54 to 517.2?±?300.8, p?<?0.001). DHEAS/FT correlated with BMI (r?=??0.352, p?=?0.001), WHR (r?=??0.371, p?=?0.0219), LDL (r?=??0.227, p?=?0.031), HOMA-IR (r?=??0.36, p?=?0.001) and FAI (r?=??0.639, p?=?0.001) negatively and with HDL (r?=?0.344, p?=?0.001) and SHBG (r?=?0.646, p?=?0.001) positively. In the control group, DHEAS/FT correlated with BMI (r?=??0.334, p?=?0.007), CRP (r?=??0.297, p?=?0.016) and FAI (r?=??0.399, p?=?0.01) negatively.

Conclusions: High DHEAS/FT ratios are related to a better metabolic phenotype in women with PCOS and low levels can be used to detect women with PCOS that have a higher risk of metabolic problems.     

Increased plasma viscosity in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome using an oral contraceptive containing 35 μg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg cyproterone acetate

Objectives.?To investigate the influence of 6 months of treatment with an oral contraceptive (OC) containing 35?μg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg cyproterone acetate on plasma viscosity (PV) in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design.?Patients with PCOS were assessed for PV before and after 6 months of treatment with an OC containing 35?μg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg cyproterone acetate. PV was determined by a viscometer Type 53610/I SCHOTT-Instruments, Mainz at 37°C.

Settings.?Subjects were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at the University Hospital of Patras, Greece.

Patients.?The study included 66 young women with PCOS.

Main outcome measures.?PV.

Results.?In PCOS women as a whole, PV at baseline was 1.249?±?0.049 mm²/s (n?=?66). After 6 months of treatment with an OC containing 35?μg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg cyproterone acetate, PV was increased to 1.268 ± 0.065 mm²/s (p?=?0.038). The difference between PV before and after 6 months of treatment with an OC containing 35?μg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg cyproterone acetate (Δviscosity) was 0.01864 ± 0.071452 mm²/s. ΔViscosity was related to Δfibrinogen (r?=?0.270, p?=?0.046), to Δhematocrit (r?=?0.514, p?=?0.09) and to Δtriglycerides (r?=?0.292, p?=?0.021).

Conclusion.?Young women with PCOS presented an increased PV under OC treatment with 35?μg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg cyproterone acetate.     

A comparison between the effects of metformin and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on some metabolic and endocrine characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: To compare N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Method: Study was performed as a randomized double-blind clinical trial on women with diagnosis of PCOS without additional complications. In one group, oral NAC 600?mg, three times a day and in the other group, 500?mg oral metformin, three times a day were prescribed. Duration of treatment was 24 weeks, and after finishing this period of treatment, fasting blood glucose (FBS) and insulin, lipid profile and Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) index were measured (all the blood samples were taken while fasting) and were compared in the two groups.

Results: Forty-six women in NAC group and 48 women in metformin group finished the study. The two groups did not show significant difference according to age, body mass index (BMI) of more than 30; mean BMI, AUB, FBS, fasting blood insulin, lipid profile and HOMA index before treatment. After 24 weeks of treatment; BMI >30 [17 (35.4%) versus 7 (15.2%), p?=?0.033], mean BMI [(28.36?±?2.27) versus (27.11?±?3.55), p?=?0.44], number of women with the complain of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) [24 (50%) versus 13 (28.3%), p?=?0.037], FBS [(90.02?±?6.24) versus (86.61?±?7.81), p?=?0.021], fasting insulin (10.40?±?2.64 versus 8.89?±?2.20, p?=?0.004), HOMA Index (2.09?±?0.69 versus 1.71?±?0.45, p?=?0.001), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (141.83?±?26.98 versus 127.89?±?28.70, p?=?0.017) were less in NAC group. Triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol did not show significant difference between the two groups after treatment. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was higher in NAC group.

Conclusion: NAC can improve lipid profile and fasting blood sugar (FBS) and fasting blood insulin better than metformin.     

Serum and follicular fluid levels of IGF-II,IGF-binding protein-4 and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycle between polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and non-PCOS women

Objective.?To investigate the difference of serum and follicular expression patterns for IGFα, IGFBP4 and PAPP-A in COH cycle between PCOS and non-PCOS women.

Methods.?COH was performed for total 30 sterile women (20 with PCOS and 10 with normal ovarian function). The serum and follicular fluid (FF)from dominant follicles levels of IGFα, IGFBP4 and PAPP-A before COH, day of hCG, and were measured using an ELISA.

Results.?The PCOS women had significantly higher day 3 serum PAPP-A, day of hCG serum IGFBP-4, and ff IGF-II levels compared to the normoovulatory subjects. Serum levels of IGF-II and IGFBP-4 in PCOS women had increased after gonadotropins stimulation, and yet PAPP-A was decreased. Within the PCOS women, day of hCG serum IGFBP-4 was strongly correlated with BMI (r?=?0.777; P?=?0.000), day of hCG IGF II (r?=??0.573, p?=?0.008), ff IGF II (r?=??0.573, p?=?0.008) and ff PAPP-A (r?=??0.461, p?=?0.041) was inversely related to diameter >16?mm follicle number and day 3 PAPP-A correlated to diameter?>16?mm follicle number (r?=?0.474; p?=?0.035).

Conclusions.?Ovarian IGF system on the gonadotropin response to differences in the PCOS and non-PCOS women in COH cycle, and may indicate a inordinate IGF system that might disturb folliculogenesis in PCOS women.     

Free fatty acid binding protein-4 and retinol binding protein-4 in polycystic ovary syndrome: response to simvastatin and metformin therapies

Abstract

Free fatty acid binding protein-4 (FABP4) and retinol binding protein-4 (RBP4) contribute to metabolic syndrome. We investigated serum FABP4 and RBP4 responses to insulin sensitizing and lipid lowering therapies in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Sixty-two healthy, untreated women with PCOS (age 25.1?±?3.6 years, BMI: 24.0?±?4.7?kg/m²) were randomized to metformin (n?=?24), simvastatin (n?=?20) or metformin plus simvastatin (n?=?18) for 3 months. Anthropometric measures, fasting blood tests and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were obtained at the baseline and the end. At the baseline serum FABP4 correlated with obesity (BMI: r?=?0.63, p?<?0.001), insulin resistance (fasting insulin: r?=?0.44, p?=?0.0002; QUICKI: r?=??0.30, p?=?0.02; OGTT-insulin sensitivity index: r?=??0.27, p?=?0.04), dyslipidemia (HDL: r?=??0.26, p?=?0.03) and hyperandrogenemia (free-testosterone: r?=?0.23, p?=?0.03; SHBG: r?=??0.28, p?=?0.03); while RBP4 correlated with total-cholesterol (r?=?0.33, p?=?0.009). Multiple regression analysis indicated that t best predictors of serum FABP4 and RBP4 were BMI (β?=?1.02, p?=?0.0003) and total cholesterol (β?=?2326, p?=?0.01), respectively. Simvastatin, alone or with metformin did not affect serum FABP4 or RBP4. Serum FABP4 related to the obesity, insulin resistance and inflammation while RBP4 related to lipids. Insulin sensitizing and lipid lowering therapies did not affect FABP4 or RBP4 levels in PCOS.     

Psychological side-effects of clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotrophin

Objective.?This study evaluated the psychological side-effects of clomiphene citrate (CC) and hMG in women undergoing fertility treatment.

Method.?This study was a cross-sectional, self-report survey of 454 women at various stages of treatment for infertility. At the time of study, 139 women had not taken fertility drugs and 315 women had taken one or more cycles of CC or hMG. All subjects were asked to complete the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Women taking CC or hMG were also asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire on the side-effects of their medications.

Result(s).?In the CC group (n?=?162) and hMG group (n?=?153), 77.8% (126 of 162) and 94.8% (145 of 153) reported at least one side-effect, respectively. Irritability, mood swings, feeling down, and bloating had high frequencies in both CC and hMG groups, with a higher mean number of side effects reported in the hMG group (4.4?±?3.7 for the CC group and 6.8?±?3.7 for the hMG group, p?<?0.001). There was no significant difference among the CC, hMG and no medication groups for mean state and trait anxiety scores. However, there were significant differences among the three side-effect groups (those who reported 1 to 4, 5 to 7, and more than 7 side-effects) for the mean scores of state (df?=?2, F?=?8.7, p?<?0.001) and trait (df?=?2, F?=?11.9, p?<?0.001) anxiety in women taking fertility drugs.

Conclusion(s).?Women taking CC or hMG reported high frequencies of psychological side-effects, and should be advised of these before treatment.     

Vascular endothelial growth factor in females of reproductive age

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between clinical cardiovascular risk factors and clinical androgen excess, with direct comparison to radial artery intima media thickness (rIMT). rIMT of 91 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were compared with 72 healthy women. Patients were divided into three groups with regard to body mass index (BMI). Group1?=?56 women (31 controls and 25 PCOS) with low BMI(18–22.49?kg/m²), Group2?=?36 women (15 controls and 21 PCOS) with normal BMI (22.5–24.99?kg/m²) and Group3?=?71 women (26 controls and 45 PCOS) with high BMI (25–30?kg/m²). rIMT was significantly higher in patients with PCOS (p?=?0.007). rIMT was significantly higher group1 and group3 in patients with PCOS compared to controls (p?=?0.007 and p?=?0.042, respectively). There was a significant positive association between rIMT levels and fT in women with PCOS in group1 (r?=?0.24, p?=?0.04). rIMT levels correlated to fT levels in women with PCOS in group3 (r?=?0.32, p?=?0.03). Modified Ferriman–Gallwey (mFG) scores demonstrated a positive association with free testosterone, total testosterone, free androgen index, waist circumference (WC), LH levels, insulin levels, Homeostasis Model Assessment index(HOMA-IR), rIMT and a negative correlation with sex hormone binding globulin in group1 and group2. mFG scores demonstrated a positive association with free testosterone (r?=?0.33, p?=?0.029) in group3, but no association was found between mFG and WC, HOMA-IR in group3. Our findings indicate that clinical androgen excess may be associated with cardiovascular disease in patients with PCOS.     

The relationship of urocortin-2 with insulin resistance patients having PCOS

In this study, we aimed to compare the serum urocortin-2 (UCN2) levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy women. Thirty-eight patients with PCOS and 41 healthy women were included in the study whose age and BMI matched. The fasting serum glucose, insulin, free testosterone, hs-CRP and UCN2 levels of the all participants were examined. HOMA-IR formula was used in order to calculate the insulin resistance. Circulating UCN2 levels were significantly elevated in women with PCOS compared with controls (142.93?±?59.48 versus 98.56?±?65.01?pg/ml, p = 0.002). FBG, serum insulin, hs-CRP and HOMA-IR levels were found to be increased in women with PCOS. There was a positive correlation between UCN2 and free-testosterone in only PCOS group (r?=?0.235, p?=?0.027). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the odds ratio for PCOS was 2.31 for patients in the highest quartile of UCN2 compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR?=?2.31, 95% CI?=?1.88–2.83, p=0.021). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that HOMA-IR, hs-CRP and free-testosterone independently predicted UCN2 levels (p?相似文献   

Associations of preconception Body Mass Index in women with PCOS and BMI and blood pressure of their offspring

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have unfavorable metabolic profiles. Their offspring may be affected by such risks. The objective of the current study was to disclose associations between preconception health of these women and health of their offspring. 74 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria were screened systematically before conception. Cardiovascular health of their offspring was assessed at 2.5–4 (n?=?42) or at 6–8?years of age (n?=?32). Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed with adjustments for potential confounders. In the primary analyses the association between preconception Body Mass index (BMI) and offspring BMI was evaluated. Secondly associations between preconception blood pressure, androgens, insulin-resistance (HOMA-IR), and LDL-cholesterol in women with PCOS and BMI and blood pressure of offspring were assessed. Results show that preconception BMI of women with PCOS was positively associated with sex- and age-adjusted BMI of their offspring at 6–8?years of age (β?=?0.55 (95% CI: 0.12 to 0.97), p?=?.012). No other significant associations were found. In conclusion, our data suggest that preconception BMI in PCOS is significantly associated with offspring BMI at 6–8?year of age. If this suggestion could be confirmed this may provide an opportunity for improving the future health of these children.     

Combined metformin and clomiphene citrate versus highly purified FSH for ovulation induction in clomiphene-resistant PCOS women: a randomised controlled trial

Aim.?To compare the effect of combined metformin–clomiphene citrate (CC) with highly purified urinary FSH (HP-uFSH) for ovulation induction in CC-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods.?One-hundred fifty-three anovulatory women with CC-resistant PCOS were selected in this randomised controlled trial. Patients received combined metformin–CC (n?=?75, 205 cycles) or HP-uFSH (n?=?78, 186 cycles) for three cycles. Outcome measures were; Ovulation rate, number of growing and mature follicles, serum E2, serum P, endometrial thickness, pregnancy and miscarriage rates.

Results.?The ovulation rate per cycle was significantly higher in the HP-uFSH group (83.8% vs. 62%, p?=?0.01). The number of follicles ≥12?mm ≥14?mm and ≥18?mm on the hCG day was significantly greater in the HP-uFSH group (p?=?0.01, p?=?0.02 and p?=?0.03, respectively). Pregnancy occurred in 23/205 cycles (11.2%) in combined metformin–CC group and 40/186 cycles (21.5%) in the HP-uFSH group; the difference was statistically significant (p?=?0.02). Two patients in the HP-uFSH group suffered mild OHSS.

Conclusions.?Combined metformin–CC resulted in modest ovulation and pregnancy rates without side effects. It is logical to offer this first for CC-resistant PCOS women before resorting to more expensive alternatives especially in developing communities where economic aspects of therapy are important.     

Models for the prediction of successful induction of labor based on pre-induction sonographic measurement of cervical length

Objective.?To examine the effect of pre-induction cervical length, parity, gestational age at induction, maternal age and body mass index (BMI) on the possibility of successful delivery in women undergoing induction of labor.

Methods.?In 822 singleton pregnancies, induction of labor was carried out at 35 to 42^?+?6 weeks of gestation. The cervical length was measured by transvaginal sonography before induction. The effect of cervical length, parity, gestational age, maternal age and BMI on the interval between induction and vaginal delivery within 24?hours was investigated using Cox's proportional hazard model. The likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24?hours and risk for cesarean section overall and for failure to progress was investigated using logistic regression analysis.

Results.?Successful vaginal delivery within 24?hours of induction occurred in 530 (64.5%) of the 822 women. Cesarean sections were performed in 161 (19.6%) cases, 70 for fetal distress and 91 for failure to progress. Cox's proportional hazard model indicated that significant prediction of the induction-to-delivery interval was provided by the pre-induction cervical length (HR?=?0.89, 95 % CI 0.88–0.90, p?<?0.0001), parity (HR?=?2.39, 95% CI 1.98–2.88, p?<?0.0001), gestational age (HR?=?1.13, 95% CI 1.07–1.2, p?= <?0.0001) and birth weight percentile (HR?=?0.995, 95% CI 0.99?– 0.995, p?=?0.001), but not by maternal age or BMI. Logistic regression analysis indicated that significant prediction of the likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24?hours was provided by pre-induction cervical length (OR?=?0.86, 95% CI 0.84–0.88, p?<?0.0001), parity (OR?=?3.59, 95% CI 2.47–5.22, p?<?0.0001) and gestational age (OR =?1.19, 95% CI 1.07–1.32, p?= <?0.0001) but not by BMI or maternal age. The risk of cesarean section overall was significantly associated with all the variables under consideration, i.e., pre-induction cervical length (OR?=?1.09, 95% CI 1.06–1.11, p?<?0.0001), parity (OR?=?0.25, 95% CI 0.17–0.38, p?<?0.0001), BMI (OR?=?1.85, 95% CI 1.24–2.74, p?=?0.0024), gestational age (OR?=?0.88, 95% CI 0.78–0.98, p?=?0.0215) and maternal age (OR?=?1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07, p?=?0.0192). The risk of cesarean section for failure to progress was also significantly associated with pre-induction cervical length (OR?=?1.11, 95% CI 1.07–1.14, p?<?0.0001), parity (OR?=?0.26, 95% CI 0.15–0.43, p?<?0.0001), gestational age (OR?=?0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.96, p?=?0.0097) and BMI (OR?=?2.07, 95% CI 1.27–3.37, p?=?0.0036).

Conclusion.?In women undergoing induction of labor, pre-induction cervical length, parity, gestational age at induction, maternal age and BMI have a significant effect on the interval between induction and delivery within 24?hours, likelihood of vaginal delivery within 24?hours and the risk of cesarean section.     

Galectin-3 is a potential biomarker to insulin resistance and obesity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder that affects women in reproductive age. This study aimed to evaluate Gal-3 levels and its role on metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. Gal-3 was measured in 44 PCOS and 25 women recruited as control group for the case-control study. Gal-3 levels were similar between PCOS and control groups (p?>?0.05), but showed a positive correlation with glucose levels in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (r?=?0.403, p?=?0.037), body mass index (BMI) (r?=?0.469, p?=?0.027), insulin levels (r?=?0.453, p?=?0.030) and HOMA-IR (r?=?0.738, p?=?0.037) in PCOS group. The data suggest that Gal-3 plays a role in the pathophysiology of the insulin resistance and obesity in PCOS group.     

Relation between C-reactive protein and body mass index in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Introduction.?Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women. These patients share common features like obesity with metabolic syndrome. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a low-grade chronic inflammation biomarker that independently predicts high-risk patients for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Although many studies showed increased plasma CRP levels in patients with PCOS, there is still less evidence that can link obesity and CRP levels in patients with PCOS. The objective of this study was to investigate the relations between body mass index (BMI) and CRP plasma levels in patients with PCOS.

Method.?Forty patients with PCOS and 30 controls matched by age and BMI were included. Blood sample was obtained from all individuals in early follicular phase of menstrual cycle. CRP, fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), blood pressure, waist circumference (WC) and BMI was measured for all subjects.

Result.?CRP and TG levels were higher in patients with PCOS (p?<?0.001 and p?=?0.011, respectively). CRP level increased significantly only in patients with PCOS with BMI?≥?25 kg/m² (p?=?0.001) but was not significant in patients with PCOS with BMI?<?25?kg/m² (p?=?0.067). In further analysis, BMI and WC affect CRP rising in patients with PCOS (p?=?0.001).

Conclusion.?In patients with PCOS, serum CRP levels were higher than age and BMI-matched controls. Furthermore, BMI was strongly related to CRP only in overweight patients with PCOS.     

Comparison of myo-inositol and metformin on mental health parameters and biomarkers of oxidative stress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

Introduction: Data on comparison of myo-inositol and metformin on mental health parameters and biomarkers of oxidative stress in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are scarce. This purpose of this study was to compare of myo-inositol and metformin on mental health parameters and biomarkers of oxidative stress in subjects with PCOS.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted among 60 subjects diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups to intake either myo-inositol (n?=?30) or metformin (n?=?30) for 12?weeks. Parameters of mental health were recorded at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. Fasting blood samples were obtained at baseline and the end of the study to determine biomarkers of biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Results: After the 12-week intervention, changes in beck depression inventory total score (?1.0?±?1.7 vs. ?0.3?±?0.7, p?=?0.03), general health questionnaire scores (?1.7?±?2.9 vs. ?0.5?±?1.2, p?=?0.02), depression anxiety and stress scale scores (?3.9?±?6.4 vs. ?0.9?±?1.9, p?=?0.01) and plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) concentrations (+106.1?±?69.6 vs. +2.1?±?132.4?mmol/L, p?<?0.001) in the myo-inositol group were significantly different from the changes in these indicators in the metformin group. Myo-inositol supplementation for 12?weeks among patients with PCOS did not affect plasma glutathione and malondialdehyde levels.

Conclusions: Overall, our data supported that myo-inositol supplementation for 12?weeks among patients with PCOS had favorable effects on parameters of mental health and plasma TAC levels.     

Serum vaspin and C-reactive protein levels in women with polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective.?Our aim was to evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum vaspin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or polycystic ovaries (PCO).

Design.?Twenty-four women with PCOS and 23 women with PCO constituted the study groups. The control group comprised 24 healthy women.

Methods.?Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), CRP and serum vaspin levels were measured. The receiver–operating characteristic curve (ROC) of vaspin for prediction of women with increased diabetogenic risk was constructed.

Results.?The three groups did not significantly differ in age and body mass index. HOMA-IR was significantly higher in the PCOS and PCO groups than in control group. Median CRP levels in the control, PCO and PCOS groups were 0.66, 1.28 and 3.2?mg/l, respectively (p?=?0.0001). Women with PCOS had significantly higher serum vaspin levels than the healthy controls [3.52?±?1.38 vs. 0.36?±?0.19?ng/ml, p?=?0.0001]. Serum vaspin could differentiate between women with and without increased diabetogenic risk at a cut-off value of 1.82?ng/ml with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 66.1%.

Conclusion.?The results of our study showed that the presence of the increased vaspin, CRP and higher HOMA-IR levels in women with PCOS and PCO could contribute to increased diabetogenic and atherogenic risk in these patients.     

Polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity do not affect vascular parameters related to early atherosclerosis in young women without glucose metabolism disturbances,arterial hypertension and severe abnormalities of lipid profile

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obesity on vascular parameters related to early atherosclerosis (VP-EA) [brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid arterial compliance (CAC)] in women with minor cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs). Twenty-five young women with PCOS and 23 eumenorrheic women matched for body mass index (BMI) were studied. The women were subdivided according to BMI and PCOS status, and comparisons were done between PCOS and Control group, regardless of BMI, and between Obese and Lean group, regardless of the presence of PCOS. Insulin resistance was higher in PCOS-group than in control-group and in obese-group than in lean-group. The median of all VP-EA evaluated were similar between PCOS-group and Control-group [FMD: 6.6 versus 8.4% (p?=?NS); CIMT: 48.0 versus 47.0?mm.10-2 (p?=?NS); CAC: 6.2 versus 5.6N-1.m4.10-10 (p?=?NS)] and between obese-group and lean-group [FMD: 7.8 versus 6.6% (p?=?NS); CIMT: 48.0 versus 47.0?mm.10-2 (p?=?NS); CAC: 5.7 versus 6.3N-1.m4.10-10 (p?=?NS)]. These results suggest that PCOS and obesity do not affect VP-EA in women with minor CVRFs.