Polycystic ovary syndrome: Implications of measurement of plasma aldosterone, renin activity and progesterone

A positive correlation between aldosterone, inflammatory parameters, blood pressure and metabolic abnormalities in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been reported in the early estrogenic phase. The aim of the study was to measure plasma aldosterone, plasma renin activity (PRA) and progesterone on the 21st day of the cycle, in women with PCOS and to consider the interrelationships between these hormones. Sixty-six consecutive normal BMI women with PCOS (median age 24 years, range 21-28 years) and 53 age- and body mass index-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Aldosterone, aldosterone/PRA ratio (ARR) and Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) index were significantly higher (p<0.0001) in PCOS women than controls. Positive correlations were found in PCOS but not in controls between (i) progesterone and aldosterone, (ii) aldosterone and PRA, (iii) PRA and progesterone. Mean blood pressures were within the normal range but significantly higher in PCOS than controls. The increase of plasma aldosterone, ARR and blood pressure in PCOS compared with controls is consistent with an increased mineralocorticoid effector mechanism in PCOS; prolonged therapy with spironolactone could counteract both the hyperandrogenism and reduce future cardiovascular risk.

Inositol administration reduces oxidative stress in erythrocytes of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Possibly due to a deficiency of insulin mediators, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with insulin resistance (IR) and hyperinsulinemia, likely responsible for an elevated production of reactive oxygen species. We investigated oxidative-related alterations in erythrocytes and anti-inflammatory effects of inositol in women with PCOS before and after treatment with myo-inositol (MYO).

METHODS

Twenty-six normal-weight PCOS patients were investigated before and after MYO administration (1200 mg/day for 12 weeks; n=18) or placebo (n=8) by evaluating serum testosterone, serum androstenedione, fasting serum insulin, fasting serum glucose, insulin area under the curve (AUC), and glucose AUC after oral glucose tolerance test and homeostasis model of assessment-IR. In erythrocytes, band 3 tyrosine phosphorylation (Tyr-P) level, glutathione (GSH) content, and glutathionylated proteins (GSSP) were also assessed.

RESULTS

Data show that PCOS patients' erythrocytes underwent oxidative stress as indicated by band 3 Tyr-P values, reduced cytosolic GSH content, and increased membrane protein glutathionylation. MYO treatment significantly improved metabolic and biochemical parameters. Significant reductions were found in IR and serum values of androstenedione and testosterone. A significant association between band 3 Tyr-P levels and insulin AUC was found at baseline but disappeared after MYO treatment, while a correlation between band 3 Tyr-P and testosterone levels was detected both before and after MYO treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

PCOS patients suffer from a systemic inflammatory status that induces erythrocyte membrane alterations. Treatment with MYO is effective in reducing hormonal, metabolic, and oxidative abnormalities in PCOS patients by improving IR.

[Intrauterine death of one fetus in twin pregnancy]

A case of twin pregnancy complicated by intrauterine death of a foetus is reported. The most recent literature data on incidence, aetiology, diagnostic and monitoring difficulties (improved over the past few years thanks to echography) are discussed. Finally, prevention problems and the choice of therapy are examined, it being stressed that it is by now a widespread habit to close these pregnancies with Caesarean section as soon as the maturity of the surviving twin so permits.

[Serum myoglobin in pregnant women treated with tocolytics and carnitine]

Forty-two pregnant women threatened by miscarriage or premature delivery have been studied. A group of 21 gravidas was treated with ritodrine and potassium chloride. The treatment protocol of another group of 21 gravidas included carnitine (2 g infusion with phleboclysis). It was thus observed that the haematic concentration of myoglobin increases about twice by comparison with normal values during i.v. tocolytic treatment whereas tocolytics per os do not affect the blood level of myoglobin (phenomenon observed in another group of 10 gravidas also suffering from threatened miscarriage or premature delivery). The use of beta 2-mimetics involves the onset of at times serious side-effects and methods have been sought to anticipate and prevent them. Measurement of serum myoglobin is intended as a useful investigation for monitoring tocolytic therapy which, as a result of its myotoxicity in the cardiac and skeletal musculature demands extremely cautious use. Moreover, the use of carnitine did not modify the blood concentration of myoglobin, whereas it obtained beneficial results on the onset of beta 2-mimetic induced side-effects.