The Effect of Free Androgen Index on the Quality of Life of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Biomarkers to inform the management of polycystic ovary syndrome: A review of systematic reviews

INTRODUCTION

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrine condition affecting reproductive age women. Many biomarkers may aid assessment and management, however evidence is limited on their utility in clinical practice. We conducted a review of systematic reviews to identify the most useful biomarkers in the clinical management of PCOS.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and HTA until August 2023 for reviews evaluating biomarkers in PCOS women compared to healthy controls. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR2 tool. We reported pooled evidence for each biomarker with 95% confidence intervals from the most recent, up-to-date, and best quality review.

RESULTS

From 3360 citations, we included 75 systematic reviews (88 biomarkers, 191,792 women). Most reviews (50/75, 67%) were moderate quality, but reported high heterogeneity (66/75, 88%). We identified 63 abnormal biomarkers in women with PCOS versus healthy controls. Of these, 22 core biomarkers could help evaluate the multisystemic impact of PCOS and inform patient management and surveillance: dehydroepiandrosterone, prolactin, sex hormone-binding globulin, total and free testosterone, anti-Mullerian hormone, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, c-reactive protein, fibrinogen, oral glucose tolerance test, homoeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance index, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), HDL, LDL, non-HDL-cholesterol, ferritin, iron, and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D.

CONCLUSION

We identified 22 core biomarkers assessing the multisystemic impact of PCOS and inform its clinical management. Future research is required to establish validated healthcare pathways.

Mental Health Across the Menstrual Cycle in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Insights and Implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We reviewed a wide body of emerging research highlighting the possibility for premenstrual exacerbations of mood symptoms in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

RECENT FINDINGS

Neuroendocrine dysregulation, sensitivity to ovarian hormone fluctuations as well as higher levels and types of adverse childhood experiences and demographic factors are emerging factors explaining high rates of psychiatric disorders in PCOS. Ovulatory dysfunction, common in PCOS, significantly interferes with one's identity and quality of life. Results on pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for mood symptoms are mixed, though improvements in the physical sequalae of PCOS could also improve mood symptoms. However, significant improvements on the methodological quality are needed, particularly the evaluation of mood symptoms across the menstrual cycle. Evidence is preliminary on whether there are premenstrual exacerbations of psychiatric symptoms in PCOS. Prospective, longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to comprehensively understand the psychiatric profile in PCOS.

The Effect of a Very-Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD) vs. a Moderate Energy Deficit Diet in Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)-A Randomised Controlled Trial

We performed an open-label, randomised controlled trial to compare the effects of a very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) vs. moderate energy deficit approach on body weight, body composition, free androgen index (FAI), and metabolic markers in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Forty eligible patients were randomly assigned to a VLCD (n = 21) or a conventional energy deficit approach (n = 19) over the same period. After eight weeks, both groups experienced significant weight loss; however, this was greater in the VLCD arm (-10.9% vs. -3.9%, p < 0.0001). There was also a trend towards a reduction in FAI in the VLCD group compared to the energy deficit group (-32.3% vs. -7.7%, p = 0.07). In the VLCD arm, two women (18%) had a biochemical remission of PCOS (FAI < 4); this was not the case for any of the participants in the energy deficit arm. There was a significant within-group increase in the sex-hormone-binding globulin (p = 0.002) and reductions in fasting blood glucose (p = 0.010) and waist to hip ratio (p = 0.04) in the VLCD arm, but not in the energy deficit arm. The VLCD resulted in significantly greater weight reduction and was accompanied by more pronounced improvements in hyperandrogenaemia, body composition, and several metabolic parameters in obese women with PCOS as compared to the energy deficit approach.

Cardiometabolic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrinopathy affecting many women of reproductive age. Although its physiology is poorly understood, hyperandrogenemia and insulin resistance play a pivotal role in this complex syndrome, predisposing patients to a variety of cardiovascular and metabolic modalities. Current therapeutic options, including lifestyle modifications and medications, often do not satisfactorily improve clinical outcomes. SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are a novel option which can potentially improve many hormonal and metabolic parameters for patients with PCOS, though the net cardiovascular effects remain under investigation in this population of patients with PCOS. Overall, the use of SGLT-2i may be associated with beneficial somatometric, metabolic and hormonal outcomes of PCOS. To date, all available studies have recorded body mass index, waist and hip circumference, and fat mass reductions, improved insulin and androgen levels, and reduced blood pressure. The aim of the present review is to summarise PCOS-related manifestations and mechanisms leading to cardiovascular disease, to explore the cardiometabolic impact of SGLT2i on PCOS, and to critically analyse the cardiometabolic and hormonal outcomes of the recent studies on the use of SGLT2i in women with PCOS.

Role of sex hormone-binding globulin in the free hormone hypothesis and the relevance of free testosterone in androgen physiology

According to the free hormone hypothesis, biological activity of a certain hormone is best reflected by free rather than total hormone concentrations. A crucial element in this theory is the presence of binding proteins, which function as gatekeepers for steroid action. For testosterone, tissue exposure is governed by a delicate equilibrium between free and total testosterone which is determined through interaction with the binding proteins sex hormone-binding globulin and albumin. Ageing, genetics and various pathological conditions influence this equilibrium, hereby possibly modulating hormonal exposure to the target tissues. Despite ongoing controversy on the subject, strong evidence from recent in vitro, in vivo and human experiments emphasizes the relevance of free testosterone. Currently, however, clinical possibilities for free hormone diagnostics are limited. Direct immunoassays are inaccurate, while gold standard liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) coupled equilibrium dialysis is not available for clinical routine. Calculation models for free testosterone, despite intrinsic limitations, provide a suitable alternative, of which the Vermeulen calculator is currently the preferred method. Calculated free testosterone is indeed associated with bone health, frailty and other clinical endpoints. Moreover, the added value of free testosterone in the clinical diagnosis of male hypogonadism is clearly evident. In suspected hypogonadal men in whom borderline low total testosterone and/or altered sex hormone-binding globulin levels are detected, the determination of free testosterone avoids under- and overdiagnosis, facilitating adequate prescription of hormonal replacement therapy. As such, free testosterone should be integrated as a standard biochemical parameter, on top of total testosterone, in the diagnostic workflow of male hypogonadism.

Impact of pharmacological interventions on biochemical hyperandrogenemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

CONTEXT

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disease that affects women of reproductive age and is characterised by biochemical and clinical androgen excess.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological interventions used to decrease androgen hormones in women with PCOS.

DATA SOURCE

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane library and the Web of Science from inception up to March 2021.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Two reviewers selected eligible studies and extracted data, and the review is reported according to the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

RESULTS

Of the 814 randomised clinical trials (RCTs) located in the search, 92 met the eligibility criteria. There were significant reductions in total testosterone level with metformin versus (vs) placebo (SMD: - 0.33; 95% CI  - 0.49 to  - 0.17, p < 0.0001, moderate grade evidence) and dexamethasone vs placebo (MD:-0.86 nmol/L; 95% CI  - 1.34 to  - 0.39, p = 0.0004, very low-grade evidence). Significant reductions in the free testosterone with sitagliptin vs placebo (SMD:  - 0.47; 95% CI  - 0.97 to 0.04, p = 0.07, very low-grade evidence), in dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) with flutamide vs finasteride (MD:  - 0.37 µg/dL; 95% CI  - 0.05 to  - 0.58, p = 0.02, very low-grade evidence), a significant reduction in androstenedione (A4) with rosiglitazone vs placebo (SMD:  - 1.67; 95% CI  - 2.27 to  - 1.06; 59 participants, p < 0.00001, very low-grade evidence), and a significant increase in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) with oral contraceptive pill (OCP) (35 µg Ethinyl Estradiol (EE)/2 mg cyproterone acetate (CPA)) vs placebo (MD: 103.30 nmol/L; 95% CI 55.54-151.05, p < 0.0001, very low-grade evidence) were observed.

CONCLUSION

Metformin, OCP, dexamethasone, flutamide, and rosiglitazone use were associated with a significant reduction in biochemical hyperandrogenemia in women with PCOS, though their individual use may be limited due to their side effects.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NO

CRD42020178783.