Visceral fat is associated with cardiovascular risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Association of Fat Mass and Skeletal Muscle Mass with Cardiometabolic Risk Varied in Distinct PCOS Subtypes: A Propensity Score-Matched Case-Control Study

(1) Background: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous syndrome with a constellation of cardiometabolic risk factors. We aimed to investigate if the association of body fat mass (BFM) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) with cardiometabolic risk differed in PCOS subtypes. (2) Methods: 401 participants (245 PCOS and 156 controls) were assessed for anthropometric measurements, glucose-lipid profiles, reproductive hormones and body composition with propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis. The association of the cardiometabolic risk score (z score, calculated based on levels of obesity and gluco-lipid measurements) with BFM (estimated by trunk BFM/Height2) and SMM (estimated by SMM/Height2) was calculated. (3) Results: Trunk BFM/Height2 and SMM/Height2 were both positively associated with cardiometabolic risk in PCOS (trunk BFM/Height2, OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.49-3.65; SMM/Height2, OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.12-3.76). SMM/Height2 associated with increased cardiometabolic risk in obese PCOS (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2, OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.15-4.47). For those with lower BMI (<28 kg/m2), trunk BFM/Height2 showed a higher OR in both groups (PCOS, OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.06-4.24; control 2.04, 95% CI 1.04-4.02). Moreover, distinct associations among BMI-stratified groups were validated in hierarchical clustering identifying metabolic and reproductive clusters. (4) Conclusions: BFM and SMM are synergistically associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in PCOS women. Although BFM contributes to increased cardiometabolic risk, SMM also plays a primary role in obese PCOS. Our results highlight the importance of body composition in the management of PCOS.

Risk of cardiocerebrovascular diseases is increased in Korean women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a nationwide cohort study

To investigate the relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and risk of cardiocerebrovascular disease in Korean women. This longitudinal cohort study using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service included the women aged 15-44 years diagnosed with PCOS between 2002 and 2019, and the controls were matched 1:3 by age group, income, and region of residence. The endpoint outcomes of this study were the occurrence of ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular diseases, and combined cardiocerebrovascular diseases in the PCOS and control groups. A stratified Cox proportional hazards regression analysis for matched data was performed to evaluate the relative hazard of events in the PCOS group compared to that in the control group. Among a total of 549,400 participants in the cohort, 137,416 women had a diagnosis of PCOS and 412,118 women did not have it. During a median follow-up of 54 months (interquartile range, 30-78 months), the incidence rates of all cardiovascular, ischemic heart, and cerebrovascular diseases were 6.6, 4.0, and 2.9, respectively, per 1000 person-years for women with PCOS, and 4.8, 2.8, and 2.3, respectively, per 1000 person-years for healthy control women. Women with PCOS had a higher hazard ratio of 1.224 (95% confidence interval, 1.18-1.27) of the composite cardiocerebrovascular diseases than those in the controls after propensity score matching for confounding variables, including body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, physical exercise level, alcohol consumption, current smoking, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Hazard ratio for ischemic heart and cerebrovascular diseases was higher in women with PCOS than in the control group (hazard ratio, 1.254; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-1.31 and hazard ratio, 1.201; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.27, respectively). PCOS is associated with an increased risk of cardiocerebrovascular diseases in Korean women irrespective of their obesity. Counselling on the management of long-term risk of cardiovascular diseases should be offered to women with PCOS in East Asian countries where PCOS is characterized by a relatively low BMI.

Pathophysiology and Nutritional Approaches in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Comprehensive Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age worldwide. This disease causes menstrual, metabolic, and biochemical abnormalities such as hyperandrogenism, oligo-anovulatory menstrual cycles, polycystic ovary, hyperleptinemia, insulin resistance (IR), and cardiometabolic disorders, often associated with overweight or obesity and visceral adiposity.

RECENT FINDINGS

The etiology and pathophysiology of PCOS are not yet fully understood, but insulin seems to play a key role in this disease. PCOS shares an inflammatory state with other chronic diseases such as obesity, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases; however, recent studies have shown that a healthy nutritional approach can improve IR and metabolic and reproductive functions, representing a valid therapeutic strategy to ameliorate PCOS symptomatology. This review aimed to summarize and collect evidence about different nutritional approaches such as the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and the ketogenic diet (KD), as well as bariatric surgery and nutraceutical supplementation as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, among the others, used in patients with PCOS.

Effects of body mass index and insulin resistance on first-time assisted conception and perinatal outcomes in young polycystic ovary syndrome patients

Objective

The objective of the study was to explore the effect of body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance (IR) levels on first-time assisted conception results and perinatal outcomes in young polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.

Design

This was a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study.

Patients

Young women with PCOS undergoing their first embryo transfer were included in the study.

Main outcome measure

Early pregnancy loss rate was the main outcome measure.

Results

The early pregnancy loss rate in the overweight + insulin resistance group (OW+IR group) was significantly higher than that in the non-overweight + non-insulin resistance group (NOW+NIR group) (18.16% vs. 9.02%, Bonferroni correction, P = 0.012). The early pregnancy loss rate in the non-overweight + insulin resistance group (NOW+IR group) and overweight + non-insulin resistance group (OW+NIR group) (18.18% and 17.14%, respectively) were also higher than that in the NOW+NIR group (6.07%), but the difference was not statistically significant (Bonferroni correction, all P > 0.05). No significant difference was found in clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and macrosomia rate (all P > 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, BMI and IR levels were identified as independent risk factors for early pregnancy loss rate.

Conclusion

BMI and IR levels are independent risk factors for early pregnancy loss in young PCOS patients during the first embryo transfer cycle. Multiple indicators should be considered when assessing pregnancy outcomes, which will promote individualized pregnancy guidance and treatment procedures for PCOS patients.

The relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and coronary heart disease: a bibliometric analysis

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common gynecological endocrine diseases for women of puberty and reproductive age. PCOS can affect women's health for the rest of their lives since the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) may increase in the perimenopausal and senile periods among PCOS women compared with non-PCOS women.

Method

A literature retrieval based on the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E) database. All obtained records results were downloaded in plain text format for subsequent analysis. VOSviewer v1.6.10, Citespace and Microsoft Excel 2010 software were utilized for analyzing the following terms: countries, institutions, authors, journals, references and keywords.

Results

There were 312 articles retrieved from January 1, 2000 to February 8, 2023, and the frequency of citations was 23,587. The United States, England, and Italy contributed the majority of the records. Harvard University, the University of Athens, and Monash University were the top 3 most productive institutions with publications on the relationship between PCOS and CHD. Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism ranked first with the highest publications (24 records), followed by Fertility and sterility (18 records). The keywords were divided into six clusters in the overlay keywords network: (1) the correlation between CHD risk factors and PCOS women; (2) the relationship between cardiovascular disease and female reproductive system hormone secretion; (3) the interaction between CHD and metabolic syndrome; (4) the relationship between c-reactive protein and endothelial function and oxidative stress in PCOS patients; (5) the potential positive effect of metformin on reducing CHD risk factors in PCOS patients; (6) the study of serum cholesterol and body-fat distribution in patients with CHD in PCOS. Oxidative stress, genome-wide association, obesity, primary prevention, and sex difference were main hotspots in this field in recent five years according to the keyword citation burst analysis.

Conclusion

The article obtained the hotspots and trends and provided a reference for subsequent research on the association between PCOS and CHD. Moreover, it is hypothesized that oxidative stress and genome-wide association were frontier hotspots in studies that explore the relationship between PCOS and CHD, and prevention research may be valued in the future.

Young-onset diabetes in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A territory-wide retrospective analysis in Hong Kong

AIM

To ascertain the risk of progression to diabetes among Chinese women with PCOS.

METHODS

Women with PCOS (n = 3978) were identified from the Hong Kong Diabetes Surveillance Database based on the ICD-9 code for PCOS diagnosis and women without PCOS served as controls (n = 39780), matched 1:10 by age.

RESULT(S)

The mean follow-up was 6.28 ± 4.20 and 6.95 ± 4.33 years in women with PCOS and controls, respectively. The crude incidence rate of diabetes was 14.25/1000 person-years in women with PCOS compared with 3.45 in controls. The crude hazard ratio of diabetes in women with PCOS was 4.23 (95 % CI: 3.73-4.80, p < 0.001). Further stratified by age group, the risk of developing diabetes decreased with increasing age but it remained significantly higher in women with PCOS across all age groups. It also suggested that the incidence rate of diabetes in women with PCOS aged 20-29 is highly comparable to that in healthy women aged ≥ 40. More than half of the incident diabetes captured during the follow-up in women with PCOS cohort were young-onset diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Women diagnosed with PCOS at a younger age have the highest relative risk of developing diabetes, suggesting frequent glycemic status screening is required to detect diabetes at an early stage.

Endothelial dysfunction in subfertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is there an association between post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH) and ovarian stimulation in women with normoandrogenaemic polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

DESIGN

Women eligible for IVF at an academic fertility centre were invited to join this prospective study. Microvascular endothelial function was measured as PORH by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) before and after ovarian stimulation. Metabolic characteristics, hormone profiles and biochemical markers were analysed.

RESULTS

Thirty-four normoandrogenaemic women with PCOS and 36 normoandrogenaemic women without PCOS were included. The PCOS group displayed higher C-reactive protein levels and insulin resistance (P = 0.048 and P = 0.025, respectively). No significant difference was found in microcirculatory function between the groups at baseline. After ovarian stimulation, PORH was enhanced in the control group (slope 7.1 ± 3.3 versus 9.7 ± 4.5; P = 0.007; peak flow 30.7 ± 16.3 versus 43.5 ± 17.3, P = 0.008; however, the PCOS group experienced a blunting response to supraphysiological hormone status (slope 8.2 ± 5.1 versus 7.2 ± 4.3, P = 0.212; peak flow, 38.8 ± 19.4 versus 37.0 ± 21.8, P = 0.895).

CONCLUSIONS

Impaired microcirculatory function could be found using a non-invasive LDF technique in normoandrogenaemic women with PCOS undergoing IVF, indicating early changes in vascular endothelial dysfunction. Future observational studies should clarify whether PORH measurement might help predict IVF prognosis or obstetric complications.

Cardiometabolic biomarkers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Apart from the reproductive problems, PCOS is also associated with metabolic disturbances, and therefore, it also affects adolescents and postmenopausal women with PCOS as well as their offspring and other first-degree relatives. Adolescents with PCOS show unfavorable cardiometabolic biomarkers more often than controls, such as overweight/obesity and hyperandrogenism, and studies also suggest an unfavorable lipid profile. During reproductive age, women with PCOS develop additional cardiometabolic biomarkers, such as hypertension, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Growing evidence also supports the important role of inflammatory cytokines in cardiovascular health in these women. During menopausal transition, some PCOS characteristics ameliorate, whereas other biomarkers increase, such as body mass index, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Offspring of women with PCOS have a lower birth weight and a higher body mass index later in life than controls. In addition, fathers, mothers, and siblings of women with PCOS show unfavorable cardiometabolic biomarkers. Therefore, cardiovascular screening and follow-up of women with PCOS and their offspring and siblings are of utmost importance.

Subclinical cardiovascular disease and polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) impacts approximately 6%-10% of women worldwide, with hallmark features of hyperandrogenism, irregular menses, infertility, and polycystic appearing ovaries on ultrasound. In addition, PCOS is associated with several endocrine and metabolic disorders, including obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome, which all increase the risk for subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD), the presence of altered vascular endothelium without overt CVD. In this review, we summarize the most recent literature regarding subclinical CVD in women with PCOS, including markers such as flow-mediated dilation, arterial stiffness, coronary artery calcium scores, carotid intima-media thickness and visceral and epicardial fat.

Efficacy of Myo-inositol on Anthropometric, Metabolic, and Endocrine Outcomes in PCOS Patients: a Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of female infertility, affecting 5-10% of women of reproductive age. Many studies have reported improvement in insulin resistance and thereby intracellular glucose uptake after myo-inositol treatment in PCOS patients, but these studies have a small sample size, varying methodology, and outcome analysis. Therefore, we designed a present meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to explore the effect of myo-inositol supplementation on anthropometric, metabolic, and endocrine outcomes in PCOS patients. Randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of myo-inositol were identified in electronic databases like PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and AMED. Listed references and citations of related articles were also screened manually to identify additional studies. Research papers for which full-text copies were not available on scientific databases were procured from respective authors. Thereafter, data were extracted from included studies and analyzed using RevMan 5.3 of the Cochrane Collaboration. A total of 17 randomized controlled trials with 1083 PCOS patients were included in this meta-analysis. Among the 17 trials, 7 trials compared myo-inositol with folic acid, 8 trials compared myo-inositol with metformin, and 2 trials compared myo-inositol with oral contraceptives. No significant improvement in body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, HOMA, LH, FSH, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin, dehydroepiandrosterone, and total testosterone levels were observed after myo-inositol treatment in PCOS patients except androstenedione and prolactin levels. Clinically significant improvement was not observed in anthropometric, metabolic, and endocrine outcomes after myo-inositol treatment in PCOS patients. However, heterogeneity between studies was high.

Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Functional and Structural Markers of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and subclinical atherosclerosis remains unclear. We performed a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of PCOS on functional and structural markers of subclinical atherosclerosis as measured by carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation (NMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and coronary artery calcium (CAC). Standard mean differences (SMDs) or odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Ninety-six articles involving 5550 PCOS patients and 5974 controls were included. Compared with controls, PCOS patients showed significantly thicker cIMT (SMD (95% CI) = .587 (.398, .776), P < .001), lower FMD (SMD (95% CI) = -.649 (-.946, -.353), P < .001) and NMD (SMD (95% CI) = -.502 (-.686, -.317), P < .001), as well as higher PWV (SMD (95% CI) = .382 (.019, .746), P = .039), and increased CAC incidence (OR (95% CI) = 2.204 (1.687, 2.879), P < .001). When analyzing subgroups by age and body mass index (BMI), results were still significant (P < .05) except for PWV in the BMI subgroup. There was no significant result on sensitivity analysis, and Begg' test or Egger's test. PCOS contributes to subclinical atherosclerosis, resulting in functional and structural changes in cIMT, FMD and NMD, PWV, and CAC incidence.

The mitochondrial profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: impact of exercise

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting pre-menopausal women and involves metabolic dysregulation. Despite the high prevalence of insulin resistance, the existence of mitochondrial dysregulation and its role in the pathogenesis of PCOS is not clear. Exercise is recommended as the first-line therapy for women with PCOS. In particular, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is known to improve metabolic health and enhance mitochondrial characteristics. In this narrative review, the existing knowledge of mitochondrial characteristics in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of women with PCOS and the effect of exercise interventions in ameliorating metabolic and mitochondrial health in these women are discussed. Even though the evidence on mitochondrial dysfunction in PCOS is limited, some studies point to aberrant mitochondrial functions mostly in skeletal muscle, while there is very little research in adipose tissue. Although most exercise intervention studies in PCOS report improvements in metabolic health, they show diverse and inconclusive findings in relation to mitochondrial characteristics. A limitation of the current study is the lack of comprehensive mitochondrial analyses and the diversity in exercise modalities, with only one study investigating the impact of HIIT alone. Therefore, further comprehensive large-scale exercise intervention studies are required to understand the association between metabolic dysfunction and aberrant mitochondrial profile, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the exercise-induced metabolic adaptations in women with PCOS.

Obesity, but not hyperandrogenism or insulin resistance, predicts skeletal muscle mass in reproductive-aged women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 45 observational studies

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit reduced muscle insulin-mediated glucose uptake, potentially attributed to altered muscle mass; however, this is inconclusive. Altered muscle mass may aggravate PCOS complications. Our systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether PCOS alters muscle mass and function. Databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus) were searched through September 2, 2020, for studies documenting skeletal muscle mass (lean tissue mass) and function (strength) in PCOS and control groups. The primary outcome was total lean body mass (LBM) or fat-free mass (FFM). Data were pooled by random-effects models and expressed as mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Forty-five studies (n = 3676 participants) were eligible. Women with PCOS had increased total (0.83 [0.08,1.58] kg; p = 0.03; I²  = 72.0%) yet comparable trunk (0.84 [-0.37,2.05] kg; p = 0.15; I²  = 73.0%) LBM or FFM versus controls. Results of meta-regression analyses showed no associations between mean differences between groups in total testosterone or homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and total or trunk LBM or FFM (All: p ≥ 0.75). Mean differences in body mass index (BMI) were associated with total (0.65 [0.23,1.06] kg; p < 0.01; I²  = 56.9%) and trunk (0.56 [0.11,1.01] kg; p = 0.02; I²  = 42.8%) LBM or FFM. The PCOS subgroup with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² had greater total LBM or FFM versus controls (1.58 [0.82,2.34] kg; p < 0.01; I²  = 64.0%) unlike the PCOS subgroup with BMI < 25 kg/m² (-0.45 [-1.94,1.05] kg; p = 0.53; I²  = 69.5%). Appendicular lean mass and muscle strength data were contradictory and described narratively, as meta-analyses were impossible. Women with PCOS have higher total and trunk lean tissue mass attributed to overweight/obesity, unlike hyperandrogenism or insulin resistance.

Metabolic syndrome and the risk of cardiovascular complications in young patients with different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome

PURPOSE

Insulin resistance is an important factor in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is associated with higher risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular complications. Early atherosclerotic lesions may be diagnosed by ultrasonographic parameters: brachial artery flow-mediated dilation after reactive hyperaemia (FMD) and intima-media thickness of common carotid artery (IMT). The aim of the study was to assess the relation of IMT and FMD with clinical and laboratory parameters reflecting metabolic status in young women with different PCOS phenotypes.

METHODS

The study included 154 PCOS patients diagnosed with the Rotterdam criteria, divided into four phenotypes, and 113 healthy women. Laboratory analyses, transvaginal ultrasound, and IMT and FMD measurements were conducted. MetS was diagnosed with International Diabetes Federation/American Heart Association (IDF/AHA) consensus criteria.

RESULTS

MetS was more prevalent in PCOS patients than healthy women (14.29 vs. 5.31%; p = 0.019), with highest prevalence in phenotypes I and II (p = 0.039). IMT and FMD did not differ between PCOS patients and the controls, nor between the PCOS phenotypes. PCOS patients with MetS presented lower FMD than other PCOS patients (p = 0.018). In women with PCOS, FMD correlated with glucose and insulin concentrations in the fasting state (R = -0.33, p = 0.002; R = -0.23, p = 0.026) and at 2 h of OGTT (R = -0.29, p = 0.006; R = -0.26, p = 0.014). In patients with phenotype I, correlations were found between IMT and BMI (R = 0.45, p = 0.006) and between FMD and fasting glucose concentrations (R = -0.46, p = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic disturbances and the diagnosis of MetS in patients with PCOS, especially in hyperandrogenic phenotypes, might be associated with alterations in IMT and FMD.

Assessment of Early Markers of Cardiovascular Risk in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous syndrome, with long-term sequelae from birth to senescence. The long-term effects of PCOS are attributed to several metabolic aberrations ensuing the syndrome. In a systematic review of literature regarding the cardiovascular risk factors that accompany PCOS, we found that macrovascular function has been assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), microvascular function by venous occlusion plethysmography (VOP), and arterial structure by ultrasonographic assessment of intima-media thickness (IMT) usually of the carotid artery. Contradictory results have been reported; however, in most studies, endothelial dysfunction, an early marker of atherosclerosis assessed either by haemodynamic methods such as FMD or by biochemical methods such as endothelin-1 levels, was found to be impaired. VOP is a less-studied method, with few indices altered. IMT was found to be altered in most of the included studies, but the population was more heterogeneous. Inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, were also found to be altered in most studies. On the other hand, a number of interventions have been shown beneficial for the markers of cardiovascular risk, in the context of insulin-sensitizers. However, other interventions such as oral contraceptive pills or statins did not consistently show a similar beneficial effect. In summary, the early identification and eventual treatment of cardiovascular clinical and biochemical risk factors may be used in clinical practice to prevent potential 'silent' triggers of cardiovascular disease.

The Role of Chronic Inflammation in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Although the current literature associates polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with chronic inflammation, the evidence for this link remains inconclusive and its causal nature remains unclear. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the inflammatory status in PCOS women and to determine whether it is related to PCOS or to its associated adiposity. We searched electronic databases including PUBMED, EMBASE and MEDLINE, SCOPUS, DynaMed plus, TRIP, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Library, for studies investigating C-reactive protein (CRP) and other inflammatory makers in PCOS women versus healthy controls. Quality and risk of bias for selected studies were assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. CRP data were extracted and pooled using RevMan for calculation of the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Eighty-five eligible studies were included in the systematic review, of which 63 were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis of the 63 studies revealed significantly higher circulating CRP in PCOS women (n = 4086) versus controls (n = 3120) (SMD 1.26, 95%CI, 0.99, 1.53). Sensitivity meta-analysis of 35 high quality studies including non-obese women showed significantly higher circulating CRP in PCOS women versus controls (SMD 1.80, 95%CI, 1.36, 2.25). In conclusion, circulating CRP is moderately elevated in PCOS women independent of obesity, which is indicative of low-grade chronic inflammation.

Assessment of Early Markers of Cardiovascular Risk in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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Imaging-Based Body Fat Distribution in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are generally considered to be central obese and at higher risks of metabolic disturbances. Imaging methods are the golden standards for detecting body fat distribution. However, evidence based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) is conflicting. This study systematically reviewed the imaging-based body fat distribution in PCOS patients and quantitatively evaluated the difference in body fat distribution between PCOS and BMI-matched controls.

METHODS

PUBMED, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched up to December 2019, and studies quantitatively compared body fat distribution by MRI, CT, ultrasound, or X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) between women with PCOS and their BMI-matched controls were included. Two researchers independently reviewed the articles, extract data and evaluated the study quality based on Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

RESULTS

47 studies were included in systematic review and 39 were eligible for meta-analysis. Compared to BMI-matched controls, higher accumulations of visceral fat (SMD 0.41; 95%CI: 0.23-0.59), abdominal subcutaneous fat (SMD 0.31; 95%CI: 0.20-0.41), total body fat (SMD 0.19; 95% CI: 0.06-0.32), trunk fat (SMD 0.47; 95% CI: 0.17-0.77), and android fat (SMD 0. 36; 95% CI: 0.06-0.66) were identified in PCOS group. However, no significant difference was identified in all the above outcomes in subgroups only including studies using golden standards MRI or CT to evaluate body fat distribution (SMD 0.19; 95%CI: -0.04-0.41 for visceral fat; SMD 0.15; 95%CI: -0.01-0.31 for abdominal subcutaneous fat). Moreover, meta-regression and subgroup analyses showed that young and non-obese patients were more likely to accumulate android fat.

CONCLUSIONS

PCOS women seem to have abdominal fat accumulation when compared with BMI-matched controls. However, MRI- and CT- assessed fat distribution was similar between PCOS and controls, suggesting central obesity may be independent of PCOS. These findings will help us reappraise the relationship between PCOS and abnormal fat deposition and develop specialized lifestyle interventions for PCOS patients.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42018102983.

Effects of continuous and intermittent aerobic physical training on hormonal and metabolic profile, and body composition in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of continuous (CA) and intermittent (IA) aerobic training on hormonal and metabolic parameters and body composition of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

DESIGN

Prospective, interventional, randomized study.

METHODS

Randomized controlled training (RCT) with sample allocation and stratification into three groups: CAT (n = 28) and IAT (n = 29) training and no training [control (CG), n = 30]. Before and after 16 weeks of intervention (CAT or IAT) or observation (CG), hormonal and metabolic parameters, body composition and anthropometric indices were evaluated. Aerobic physical training on a treadmill consisted of 30- to 50-minute sessions with intensities ranging from 60% to 90% of the maximum heart rate.

RESULTS

In the CA group, there was reduction in waist circumference (WC) (P = .045), hip circumference (P = .032), cholesterol (P ≤ .001), low-density lipoprotein (P = .030) and testosterone (P ≤ .001). In the IAT group, there was a reduction in WC (P = .014), waist-to-hip ratio (P = .012), testosterone (P = .019) and the free androgen index (FAI) (P = .037). The CG showed increases in WC (P = .049), total body mass (P = .015), body fat percentage (P = .034), total mass of the arms (P ≤ .001), trunk fat percentage (P = .033), leg fat percentage (P = .021) and total gynoid mass (P = .011).

CONCLUSION

CAT and IAT training reduced anthropometric indices and hyperandrogenism in PCOS, whereas only IAT training reduced the FAI. Furthermore, only CAT training improved the lipid profile.

Tissue fat quantification by magnetic resonance imaging: proton density fat fraction in polycystic ovary syndrome

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the potential differences between lean women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in fat content in liver, vertebrae, paraspinal muscles, pancreas, subcutaneous (SCAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)? Magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (PDFF) was used to establish these differences. This is a novel, non-invasive, operator-independent method with comparable diagnostic sensitivity and specificity to histologic examination for fatty liver disease, and strong correlation with muscle strength in neuromuscular studies.

DESIGN

Twenty lean women with PCOS (mean age 23.9 ± 2.3; body mass index [BMI] 22.4 ± 2.0) and 20 age- and BMI-matched healthy women (mean age 24.9 ± 1.5; BMI 21.5 ± 1.9) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal evaluations along with magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction were carried out.

RESULTS

PDFF% measurements of liver, SCAT and VAT were higher in the PCOS group, indicating increased fat content in these areas in lean women with PCOS compared with controls (P = 0.045, 0.030 and 0.037, respectively). In contrast, PDFF% values of vertebrae and paraspinal muscles in the PCOS group were lower than controls (P = 0.038 and 0.05, respectively). Pancreatic PDFF% measurements were similar between the groups. In the PCOS group, PDFF% of VAT was positively correlated with free androgen index (r = 0.69, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

PDFF% measurement, an MRI-based novel biomarker, reveals increased fat in liver, SCAT and VAT, and decreased fat in vertebral bones and paraspinal muscles of lean women with PCOS.

Carotid intima-media thickness in polycystic ovary syndrome and its association with hormone and lipid profiles

Objective

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been associated with an increased risk of metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular disease. Intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (CIMT) represents a valid surrogate marker of early systemic atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate if CIMT is increased in PCOS patients compared to healthy controls and if there is an association with hormone and metabolic profiles.

Methods

In this prospective cross-sectional study, past medical history, anthropometrical measurements and hormonal, lipidemic and glycemic parameters were obtained in 41 PCOS patients and 43 age-matched healthy controls of similar body mass index (BMI) and frequency of smokers. B-mode ultrasound enabled CIMT measurement at the far wall of the left and right common carotid artery.

Results

Patients with PCOS showed significantly increased CIMT values compared to healthy controls (0.49±0.04mm vs. 0.37±0.04mm respectively, P<0.001). They featured a generally increased cardiovascular risk profile. Correlation analysis showed a positive association between CIMT and the adverse metabolic risk profile. The diagnosis of PCOS was the strongest predictor of CIMT, even after multiple adjustments for BMI, age and smoking status (β = 0.797, P<0.001, R² = 0.73). A model among oligomenorrhoic patients revealed a relationship between CIMT and the suspected duration of disease (β = 0.373, P = 0.021, R² = 0.14).

Conclusions

PCOS patients are likely to feature signs of premature systemic atherosclerosis at a young age. Early exposure to adverse cardiovascular risk factors may possibly have long-term consequences on the vascular system. An early vessel screening might thus already be beneficial in these patients at a younger age.

Midlife women's health consequences associated with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common female endocrinopathies. Its symptoms may appear as early as adolescence and may include irregular menstrual periods, amenorrhea, hirsutism and obesity. Regardless of their phenotypic appearance, women with PCOS are metabolically obese. PCOS is associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease and gynecological cancers. The metabolic disorders in obese women with PCOS are invariably due to insulin resistance, while inflammation, oxidative stress and possible interaction with environmental factors are among the features linking women with PCOS alone to metabolic disorders. The current review aims to highlight the relationship between PCOS and midlife women's health complications.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and cardiometabolic risk: Opportunities for cardiovascular disease prevention

Although polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women, its etiology is not entirely understood. Clinical symptoms of PCOS include acne, amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, hirsutism, infertility, and mood disorders, which tend to be the primary focus of clinical management. However, the impact of PCOS on future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk should not be overlooked, and opportunities to implement CVD prevention strategies in these women should be given high priority. The pathogenesis of PCOS commonly involves insulin resistance which leads to several cardiometabolic abnormalities (e.g., dyslipidemia, hypertension, glucose intolerance, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome), thereby putting women at an increased risk for CVD. Prior studies have found that subclinical CVD markers such as coronary artery calcium scores, C-reactive protein, carotid intima-media thickness, and endothelial dysfunction are more likely to be increased in women with PCOS. While the associations between PCOS and cardiometabolic abnormalities have been well established, whether PCOS is associated with subclinical and clinical CVD, independently of these CVD risk factors, is not entirely clear. Lifestyle interventions and weight management may mitigate some of these future CVD risks and should be encouraged. This review summarizes the literature on PCOS and CVD risk factors and provides recommendations that would aid clinicians in the management of these risk factors.

Effect of irisin on endometrial receptivity of rats with polycystic ovary syndrome

To investigate the influence of irisin on endometrial receptivity of rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS rats were randomly divided into PCOS group and irisin group, and normal rats were used as control group. The PCOS group and control group were injected intraperitoneally with normal saline while the irisin group with recombinant irisin. The serum and uterus were obtained. Detect serum sex hormones, including Testosterone (T), Estradiol (E₂), Progesterone (P), and glucose, insulin levels. Observe endometrial morphology by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Then evaluate the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and integrin αvβ3 in endometrium using ELISA, immunohistochemistry and Real-time PCR. (1) Levels of serum T, glucose and insulin in PCOS group were significantly higher than those in control and irisin group. (2) For the endometrial morphology, levels of equivalent diameter, area of uterine glands and gland cavity and endometrial average thickness were lower in PCOS group than those in control and irisin group. (3) LIF and integrin αvβ3 mRNA were basically consistent with protein expression. Levels of LIF and integrin αvβ3 were decreased in PCOS group when compared with control and irisin group. Irisin may improve endometrial receptivity by promoting expression of LIF and integrin αvβ3.

Characteristics of obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome: Etiology, treatment, and genetics

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has multiple etiologies including ovarian and adrenal hyperandrogenism, neuro-endocrine and hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, and disorders of peripheral insulin resistance. Obesity is neither necessary nor sufficient for the PCOS phenotype, and the association of PCOS with obesity is not universal, with national, cultural, and ethnic differences. Obesity, particularly visceral adiposity which is common in obese and non-obese women with PCOS, amplifies and worsens all metabolic and reproductive outcomes in PCOS. Obesity increases insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia, which in turn increases adipogenesis and decreases lipolysis. Obesity sensitizes thecal cells to LH stimulation and amplifies functional ovarian hyperandrogenism by upregulating ovarian androgen production. Obesity increases inflammatory adipokines which, in turn, increase insulin resistance and adipogenesis. Lifestyle interventions focused on diet-weight loss and concurrent exercise are central to therapy which also commonly subsequently needs to include pharmacologic therapy. PCOS symptoms commonly improve with 5% to 10% weight loss, but 25% to 50% weight loss, usually achievable only through bariatric surgery, may be required for morbid obesity unresponsive to lifestyle-medical treatment. Bariatric surgery is a valuable approach to weight loss in PCOS where BMI is ≥40 kg/m² when non-surgical treatment and/or induction of pregnancy have failed, and can be an initial treatment when BMI is ≥50 kg/m². Further research in PCOS is needed to better understand the fundamental basis of the disorder, to ameliorate obesity, to correct hyperandrogenism, ovulation, hyperinsulinemia, and to optimize metabolic homeostasis.

Visceral Adiposity Index: Simple Tool for Assessing Cardiometabolic Risk in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

AIM

To study visceral adiposity index (VAI) and its association with cardiometabolic risk in different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It is a case-control cross-sectional study where 100 reproductive age (18-35 years) women with PCOS were classified in different phenotypes as per Rotterdam criteria and compared with age and Body mass index (BMI) matched 50 eumenorrheic and nonhirsute women. Various anthropometric, clinical, biochemical, and hormonal parameters were measured in both women with PCOS and controls. VAI was calculated using waist circumference (WC), BMI, serum triglyceride, and High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in all the subjects and compared between cases and controls. Subsequently, women with PCOS were assessed for cardiometabolic risk according to androgen excess society statement 2010 as "at risk" and "at high risk." Finally, risk was correlated with VAI for all the phenotypes of PCOS.

RESULTS

Mean VAI was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in cases than controls (2.07 vs. 1.27). Mean VAI in phenotype A (O+P+HA), B (O+HA), C (P+HA), and D (O+P) was 2.46, 2.48, 1.47, and 1.70, respectively. A total of 56% of women with PCOS were at risk and 12% at high risk for cardiometabolic disease. Metabolic syndrome was prevalent in 11% of cases and 1% had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Phenotypically, 88% of women with PCOS with phenotype A (O+P+HA), 67% of B (O+HA), 67% of C (P+HA), and 55% of D (O+P) were at increased risk. VAI was found to be positively correlated with WC (r, 0.550), waist to hip ratio (r, 0.295), Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR) (r, 0.455), and cardiometabolic risk (r, 0.399). Also, it was the best factor associated with cardiometabolic risk (area under curve, 0.793).

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that visceral adiposity index can be used as simple and effective tool for assessing the cardiometabolic risk in women with PCOS as higher VAI values were observed in those cases who were at high risk for developing cardiometabolic disorder in future.

Elevation of isoprostanes in polycystic ovary syndrome and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors

PURPOSE

To evaluate the plasma level of 8-isoprostanes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. To also investigate whether there is a relationship between 8-isoprostanes and several cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

A total of 125 women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 169 healthy women were enrolled in this case-control study. 8-Isoprostanes and different parameters were measured in all subjects. Patients were evaluated for the presence of polycystic ovary syndrome according to the Rotterdam Consensus Conference criteria.

RESULTS

8-Isoprostanes levels were significantly higher in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (138.4 ± 104.1 pg/mL) compared with control group (68.6 ± 34.3 pg/mL) (p < 0.001). The mean of triglycerides, lipid accumulation product, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance were significantly higher in polycystic ovary syndrome patients with high 8-isoprostanes than those with normal 8-isoprostanes (p < 0.05). The Pearson correlation analyses showed that 8-isoprostanes levels in polycystic ovary syndrome group had a positive correlation with waist circumference, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, homocysteine, insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome have higher 8-isoprostanes levels and it is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and NC-CAH: Distinct Characteristics and Common Findings. A Systematic Review

Background: Twenty-one-hydroxylase-deficient non-classic adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH) is a very common autosomal recessive syndrome with prevalence between 1:1,000 and 1:2,000 individuals and the frequency varies according to ethnicity. On the other hand, polycystic ovary syndrome has a familial basis and it is inherited under a complex hereditary trait. This syndrome affects 6 to 10% of women in reproductive age and it is the most common endocrine disorder in young women. Our aim was to investigate, through a systematic review, the distinct characteristics and common findings of these syndromes. Methods: The search period covered January 1970 to November 2018, using the scientific databases PubMed. Inclusion criteria were adult women patients with PCOS or NC-CAH. Search terms were "polycystic ovary syndrome," "PCOS," "non-classical adrenal hyperplasia," "NC-CAH," "21-hydroxylase deficiency." From an initial 16,255 titles, the evaluations led to the final inclusion of 97 papers. Results: The clinical features of NC-CAH are hirsutism and ovulatory and menstrual dysfunction therefore; differentiation between these two syndromes is difficult based on clinical grounds only. Additionally, NC-CAH and PCOS are both associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidaemia. Reproductive abnormalities are also common between these hyperandrogenemic disorders since in patients with NC-CAH polycystic ovarian morphology and subfertility are present as they are in women with PCOS. The diagnosis of PCOS, is confirmed once other disorders that mimic PCOS have been excluded e.g., conditions that are related to oligoovulation or anovulation and/or hyperandrogenism, such as hyperprolactinaemia, thyroid disorders, non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and androgen-producing neoplasms. Conclusions: The screening tool to distinguish non-classic adrenal hyperplasia from PCOS is the measurement of 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels. The basal levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone may overlap, but ACTH stimulation testing can distinguish the two entities. In this review these two common endocrine disorders are discussed in an effort to unveil their commonalities and to illuminate their shadowed distinctive characteristics.

Elevated levels of the circulatory ischemia-modified albumin in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis

Oxidative stress (OS) has been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels in the circulation have been recently studied as a novel marker of OS. The studies in the literature on IMA levels in PCOS are inconsistent. This meta-analysis was conducted to compare circulatory IMA levels between PCOS patients and non-PCOS controls. Relevant studies were retrieved by online database and manual searching. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained by a random-effects meta-analysis. The funnel plot analysis with Begg's and Egger's tests was used for publication bias. A total of nine studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that the serum IMA levels were significantly elevated in PCOS patients as compared to non-PCOS controls (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.23-0.75, Z = 3.75, p = .0002). A one-study leave-out sensitivity analysis indicated that no single study had a significant influence on the overall outcome, suggesting the good validity and stability of these meta-analytic results. There was no evidence of publication bias as evidenced by the Egger (p = .28) and Begg's tests (p = .21). The present meta-analysis suggests that IMA might be considered as a reliable and novel marker reflecting increased OS in PCOS.

Impact of Central Obesity on Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Central obesity (CO) is a defining characteristic of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and PCOS-induced disorders are likely to be exacerbated in the presence of CO. This study aims to evaluate the impact of CO on infertile women with PCOS undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).It is a retrospective and case-control study. One hundred eighty-eight infertile PCOS women undergoing IVF were divided into CO group (n = 70, waist circumference [WC] ≥80 cm) and noncentral obesity (NCO) group (n = 118, WC <80 cm). Baseline characteristics, parameters of ovarian stimulation and laboratory, and pregnancy outcomes were compared between two groups. After controlling for body mass index (BMI), WC positively correlated with fasting insulin (r = 0.210, p = 0.007), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (r = 0.249, p = 0.006) and free androgen index (r = 0.249, p = 0.006). Compared with NCO group, CO group had significantly increased endocrine and metabolic disorders and needed significantly higher dose of gonadotropins, longer duration of ovarian stimulation (p < 0.05), but had significantly lower peak serum estradiol level (p < 0.01) and less oocytes retrieved (p = 0.032). CO group had significantly lower live birth and implantation rates (53.8% vs. 86.8%, p = 0.001; and 24.3% vs. 36.3%, p = 0.019, respectively) and higher early spontaneous miscarriage rate (38.5% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.002). For the multivariate analysis, by adjusting for age, BMI, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism (HA), CO was significantly independent risk factor for early miscarriage (adjusted relative ratio = 16.87, 95% confidence interval = 2.15-132.70, p = 0.007). CO is associated with insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and HA independent of BMI and is associated with poor pregnancy outcome in infertile women with PCOS undergoing IVF.

Study of Visceral and Subcutaneous Abdominal Fat Thickness and Its Correlation with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Hormonal Parameters in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to compare the different adiposity parameters, namely visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) between patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and controls. In addition, it aimed to correlate these adiposity indices with hormonal parameters as well as cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in patients with PCOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Newly diagnosed PCOS patients of reproductive age group according to Rotterdam criteria were included. Age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy females with normal menstrual cycles were taken as controls. All the study participants underwent detailed clinical, biochemical, and hormonal evaluation. Transabdominal ultrasound (US) was performed for detailed ovary imaging and assessment of adiposity (SAT and VAT) parameters.

RESULTS

A total of 58 PCOS patients and 40 age- and BMI-matched controls were included. PCOS patients had significantly higher levels of androgens (P < 0.001), elevated highly sensitive C-reactive protein (P = 0.007), and higher degree of insulin resistance (P < 0.001) than controls. PCOS patients had a mean SAT of 2.37 ± 0.7 cm and mean VAT of 8.65 ± 1.78 cm. These parameters were significantly higher than controls who had a mean SAT of 2.01 ± 0.7 cm (P = 0.014) and mean VAT of 7.4 ± 1.89 cm (P = 0.003), despite both groups having similar BMI. Among PCOS cohort, VAT correlated positively with total testosterone (r = 0.295, P = 0.025) and negatively with dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (r = -0.210, P = 0.114). However, no significant correlation was observed between SAT and androgens in PCOS group.

CONCLUSION

PCOS patients, whether obese or nonobese, had elevated visceral adiposity than controls. VAT correlated positively with adverse CV risk factors and testosterone in PCOS patients. Hence, a simple and inexpensive ultrasonography screening of visceral fat may identify women who have adverse metabolic profile and enhanced CV risk.

Metabolic profiling reveals reprogramming of lipid metabolic pathways in treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome with 3-iodothyronamine

Complex diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are associated with intricate pathophysiological, hormonal, and metabolic feedbacks that make their early diagnosis challenging, thus increasing the prevalence risks for obesity, cardiovascular, and fatty liver diseases. To explore the crosstalk between endocrine and lipid metabolic pathways, we administered 3‐iodothyronamine (T1AM), a natural analog of thyroid hormone, in a mouse model of PCOS and analyzed plasma and tissue extracts using multidisciplinary omics and biochemical approaches. T1AM administration induces a profound tissue‐specific antilipogenic effect in liver and muscle by lowering gene expression of key regulators of lipid metabolism, PTP1B and PLIN2, significantly increasing metabolites (glucogenic, amino acids, carnitine, and citrate) levels, while enhancing protection against oxidative stress. In contrast, T1AM has an opposing effect on the regulation of estrogenic pathways in the ovary by upregulating STAR, CYP11A1, and CYP17A1. Biochemical measurements provide further evidence of significant reduction in liver cholesterol and triglycerides in post‐T1AM treatment. Our results shed light onto tissue‐specific metabolic vs. hormonal pathway interactions, thus illuminating the intricacies within the pathophysiology of PCOS. This study opens up new avenues to design drugs for targeted therapeutics to improve quality of life in complex metabolic diseases.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of intra-abdominal fat distribution and study of its influence on subclinical atherosclerosis in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate abdominal fat distribution and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and to determine the independent risk factors for subclinical atherosclerosis.

STUDY DESIGN

One hundred and twenty-four women with PCOS were compared with 118 age and BMI-matched controls. Abdominal obesity was assessed as the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and abdominal fat distribution was measured as subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), pre-peritoneal fat thickness (PFT) and visceral fat thickness (VFT) using Ultrasound (US). Markers of subclinical atherosclerosis (carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD)) and other CVD risk factors such as fasting glucose, fasting insulin (FIN), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), androgens and lipid levels were measured.

RESULTS

In comparison to controls, PCOS women had increased VFT and subclinical atherosclerosis. PCOS women also had higher FIN and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and an elevated total cholesterol (TC) to HDL-C ratio. In PCOS women, VFT showed a strong association with CIMT and WHR showed a strong association with FIN and HOMA-IR; however these associations were weak in controls. Multiple regression analysis revealed VFT as the strongest independent predictor of CIMT in PCOS women whereas age was the only independent predictor of CIMT and FMD in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

While age can be an independent baseline risk factor for subclinical atherosclerosis in normal menstruating women, excess visceral fat accumulation is the most important predictor of atherosclerosis in PCOS patients.

Metabolic consequences of obesity and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome: diagnostic and methodological challenges

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a considerable risk of metabolic dysfunction. This review aims to present contemporary knowledge on obesity, insulin resistance and PCOS with emphasis on the diagnostic and methodological challenges encountered in research and clinical practice. Variable diagnostic criteria for PCOS and associated phenotypes are frequently published. Targeted searches were conducted to identify all available data concerning the association of obesity and insulin resistance with PCOS up to September 2016. Articles were considered if they were peer reviewed, in English and included women with PCOS. Obesity is more prevalent in women with PCOS, but studies rarely reported accurate assessments of adiposity, nor split the study population by PCOS phenotypes. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, though there is considerable variation reported in part due to not distinguishing subgroups known to have an impact on insulin resistance as well as limited methodology to measure insulin resistance. Inflammatory markers are positively correlated with androgen levels, but detailed interactions need to be identified. Weight management is the primary therapy; specific advice to reduce the glycaemic load of the diet and reduce the intake of pro-inflammatory SFA and advanced glycation endproducts have provided promising results. It is important that women with PCOS are educated about their increased risk of metabolic complications in order to make timely and appropriate lifestyle modifications. Furthermore, well-designed robust studies are needed to evaluate the mechanisms behind the improvements observed with dietary interventions.

Are serum gamma-glutamyl transferase, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and ischaemia-modified albumin useful in diagnosing PCOS?

We assessed the serum levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Fifty-three patients with PCOS were included in our study along with 40 women with no PCOS as the control group. The patients were divided according to their body mass index (BMI). GGT levels were significantly higher in the women with PCOS than the women in the control group (p < 0.05). They were also significantly higher in the PCOS women who were normoweight and overweight than the normoweight and overweight women in the control group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the circulating levels of hsCRP and IMA between the women with PCOS and the controls or between the normoweight and overweight subgroups. GGT may be associated with the diagnosis of PCOS when the threshold is set at >15.5 U/L. With the application of this threshold, raised GGT levels had 83% sensitivity (95% CI 0.70-0.90) and 67.5% specificity (95% CI 0.52-0.79), for the diagnosis of PCOS. In our study, GGT levels were elevated in the PCOS patients independent of BMI and could thus be an important marker of PCOS.

Visceral adiposity index as a predictor of clinical severity and therapeutic outcome of PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine-metabolic disease which often accompany with abnormal fat distribution. Visceral adiposity has association with abnormal lipid metabolic, pro-inflammatory activity, insulin resistance (IR) and hyperandrogenism. Increased visceral adiposity raises the risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular (CV) events, and aggravates ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism in PCOS women. Visceral adiposity index (VAI), a simple surrogate maker of visceral adipose dysfunction and visceral adiposity, is a predictor of IR, and link hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenism and anovulation. This review aims to discuss the visceral adiposity situation in PCOS women, and suggests that VAI may be a useful predictor of clinical severity and therapeutic outcome of PCOS.

Varying patterns of brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and controls: An application of the group-based trajectory modeling

PURPOSE

To identify changing patterns of absolute change in brachial artery lumen diameter (LD) after reactive hyperemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and controls and to quantify the association of PCOS status and participants' factors with these patterns.

METHODS

Brachial flow-mediated dilation was measured in 128 women with PCOS and 148 controls aged 30-60 years. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to investigate absolute change in LD every 30 seconds for 2 minutes after occluding cuff deflation. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with trajectories.

RESULTS

Three patterns emerged, namely nondilators (42.2%), dilators (44.6%), and enhanced dilators (13.0%). The proportion of women with PCOS did not differ across groups. Independently of age and PCOS status, larger baseline LD (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval: 2.51; 1.29, 4.89) and lower insulin levels (0.70; 0.52, 0.93) were associated with nondilators rather than with dilators. Higher total cholesterol was associated with dilators in women with PCOS but with nondilators in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Trajectory modeling identified distinct patterns of change in LD and factors associated with the endothelial response. This method may be a useful tool to understand the brachial flow-mediated vasodilator response.

The relationship between epicardial fat tissue thickness and visceral adipose tissue in lean patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is related to metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular metabolic syndromes. This is particularly true for individuals with central and abdominal obesity because visceral abdominal adipose tissue (VAAT) and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) produce a large number of proinflammatory and proatherogenic cytokines. The present study aimed to determine whether there are changes in VAAT and EAT levels which were considered as indirect predictors for subclinical atherosclerosis in lean patients with PCOS.

METHODS

The clinical and demographic characteristics of 35 patients with PCOS and 38 healthy control subjects were recorded for the present study. Additionally, the serum levels of various biochemical parameters were measured and EAT levels were assessed using 2D-transthoracic echocardiography.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in mean age (p = 0.056) or mean body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.446) between the patient and control groups. However, the body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, amount of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue, and VAAT thickness were higher in the PCOS patient group than in the control group. The amounts of EAT in the patient and control groups were similar (p = 0.384). EAT was correlated with BMI, fat mass, waist circumference, and hip circumference but not with any biochemical metabolic parameters including the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index or the levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. However, there was a small positive correlation between the amounts of VAAT and EAT. VAAT was directly correlated with body fat parameters such as BMI, fat mass, and abdominal subcutaneous adipose thickness and inversely correlated with the HDL cholesterol level.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study found that increased abdominal adipose tissue in patients with PCOS was associated with atherosclerosis. Additionally, EAT may aid in the determination of the risk of atherosclerosis in patients with PCOS because it is easily measured.

Complications and challenges associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: current perspectives

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents the most common endocrine dysfunction in fertile women and it is considered a heterogeneous and multifaceted disorder, with multiple reproductive and metabolic phenotypes which differently affect the early- and long-term syndrome’s risks. Women with PCOS present an adverse reproductive profile, including a high risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Patients with PCOS present not only a higher prevalence of classic cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type-2 diabetes mellitus, but also of nonclassic cardiovascular risk factors, including mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Moreover, at the moment, clinical data on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in women with PCOS are controversial. Finally, women with PCOS show an increased risk of endometrial cancer compared to non-PCOS healthy women, particularly during premenopausal period. Currently, we are unable to clarify if the increased PCOS early- and long-term risks are totally due to PCOS per se or mostly due to obesity, in particular visceral obesity, that characterized the majority of PCOS patients. In any case, the main endocrine and gynecological scientific societies agree to consider women with PCOS at increased risk of obstetric, cardiometabolic, oncology, and psychological complications throughout life, and it is recommended that these women be accurately assessed with periodic follow-up.

NMR Metabolomics Show Evidence for Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress in a Mouse Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with metabolic and endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. The etiology of PCOS is still unknown. Mice prenatally treated with glucocorticoids exhibit metabolic disturbances that are similar to those seen in women with PCOS. We used an untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics approach to understand the metabolic changes occurring in the plasma and kidney over time in female glucocorticoid-treated (GC-treated) mice. There are significant changes in plasma amino acid levels (valine, tyrosine, and proline) and their intermediates (2-hydroxybutyrate, 4-aminobutyrate, and taurine), whereas in kidneys, the TCA cycle metabolism (citrate, fumarate, and succinate) and the pentose phosphate (PP) pathway products (inosine and uracil) are significantly altered (p < 0.05) from 8 to 16 weeks of age. Levels of NADH, NAD(+), NAD(+)/NADH, and NADH redox in kidneys indicate increased mitochondrial oxidative stress from 8 to 16 weeks in GC-treated mice. These results indicate that altered metabolic substrates in the plasma and kidneys of treated mice are associated with altered amino acid metabolism, increased cytoplasmic PP, and increased mitochondrial activity, leading to a more oxidized state. This study identifies biomarkers associated with metabolic dysfunction in kidney mitochondria of a prenatal gluococorticoid-treated mouse model of PCOS that may be used as early predictive biomarkers of oxidative stress in the PCOS metabolic disorder in women.

Importance of lipid accumulation product index as a marker of CVD risk in PCOS women

BACKGROUND

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered the most common endocrine disease during the woman's reproductive life, with prevalence ranging from 5 to 10% of women of reproductive age. There is a paucity of studies regarding the use of the lipid accumulation product (LAP) as a risk marker for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 78 women aged 18 to 42 years seen at University Hospital of Maranhão, with a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome according to the Rotterdam criteria. The following variables of interest were recorded on a protocol form: sociodemographic and behavioral data, body mass index, waist circumference, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

RESULTS

Logistic regression showed that, except for HDL, all cardiovascular risk markers presented a higher chance of being altered when the lipid accumulation product was above the cut off value of 37.9 cm.mmol/L.

CONCLUSION

The lipid accumulation product seems to be sufficient to indicate a risk of cardiovascular diseases in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Comparison of the effects of chlormadinone acetate versus drospirenone containing oral contraceptives on metabolic and hormonal parameters in women with PCOS for a period of two-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

A randomized trial to compare the effects of two oral contraceptive pills containing either chlormadinone acetate or drospirenone as the progestogen, in women with PCOS for a period of two-year follow-up.

METHODS

Group A received ethinyl-estradiol 0.03 mg + drospirenone 3 mg (EE + DRSP; n = 56) and Group B received ethinyl-estradiol 0.03 mg + chlormadinone acetate 2 mg (EE + CMA; n = 50). Clinical, hormonal and biochemical parameters were compared at baseline, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months.

RESULTS

The increase in total cholesterol and hsCRP levels was statistically significantly higher at 6, 12 and 24 months in Group B when compared with Group A. The change in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level at the 24 months of treatment was statistically significantly higher in Group A. Group A has a significantly higher reduction in FAI at 6 and 24 months, in FGS at 6, 12 and 24 months and in HOMA-IR index at 12 and 24 months when compared with Group B.

CONCLUSIONS

Drospirenone containing combined oral contraceptive (COC) is found to have more favorable effects on lipid profiles, hsCRP levels, insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism when compared with the CMA containing COC and appears to be more beneficial for the long-term cardiovascular and metabolic aspects of PCOS.

Adiposity and metabolic dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder among reproductive-age women and is associated with a high risk for metabolic disorders. Adiposity and insulin resistance are two prevalent conditions in PCOS and the likely culprits for the heightened metabolic risk. Up to 60% of women with PCOS are considered to be overweight or obese, and even among non-obese women with PCOS there is an increased accumulation of adipose tissue in abdominal depots. Insulin resistance in PCOS is unique and independent of obesity, as even non-obese women with this condition are frequently insulin resistant. However, obesity substantially aggravates the insulin resistance and the metabolic and reproductive abnormalities in women with PCOS. Recently, it has been shown that many aspects of adipose tissue function in PCOS are abnormal, and these abnormalities likely predispose to development of insulin resistance even in the absence of obesity. This review provides an overview of these abnormalities and their impact on development of metabolic disorders. At the end, an overview of the therapeutic options for management of adiposity and its complications in PCOS are discussed.

Association of sympathovagal imbalance with cardiovascular risks in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with cardiovascular risks like obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia that can lead to sympathovagal imbalance (SVI). The study was designed to assess the cardiovascular risk in PCOS and link of metabolic derangements to SVI. Thirty-five newly diagnosed PCOS patients and 32 age-matched controls were recruited. Waist-hip ratio, body mass index (BMI), basal cardiovascular parameters such as basal heart rate (BHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and rate pressure product (RPP) were recorded. Autonomic functions were assessed using short-term heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, heart rate and blood pressure response to standing (30:15 ratio), deep breathing (E:I ratio) and isometric handgrip (ΔDBPihg). Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lipid profile and testosterone were assayed. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and lipid risk factors were calculated. The cases had increased BHR, BMI, SBP, DBP, MAP and RPP. The ratio of low-frequency to high-frequency (LF-HF) of HRV, the marker of SVI was significantly increased in cases. 30:15 ratio and ΔDBPihg were increased and E:I ratio was decreased in the cases. HOMA-IR, lipid risk factors and testosterone were significantly elevated in cases. There was a significant correlation of LF-HF with BMI, BHR, RPP, insulin resistance and lipid risk factors. On regression analysis, insulin resistance and lipid risk factors had independent association with LF-HF. PCOS patients have SVI, decreased HRV and increased RPP and the potential cardiovascular risks. The insulin resistance and dyslipidemia contribute to SVI and cardiovascular risks in PCOS patients.