Plasma beta-endorphin levels in obese and non-obese patients with polycystic ovarian disease.
Several reports have shown elevated circulating beta-endorphin (beta-EP) levels in patients with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). However, it is not yet clear whether these high beta-EP levels are linked to the etiopathogenesis of PCOD or are secondary to the obesity. In the present study we measured beta-EP plasma concentrations in 19 PCOD patients, 10 with normal weight (Group A) and 9 with excessive weight (Group B), and in 18 normally ovulating women, 10 with normal weight (Group C) and 9 with excessive weight (Group D). beta-EP values were similar in the two groups of non-obese patients and controls. beta-EP concentrations were also similar in the two groups of obese patients and controls, and they were significantly higher (p less than 0.05) than in non-obese patients. Our data indicate that in PCOD, elevated beta-EP values are related to obesity, suggesting that they are not linked to the pathogenesis of PCOD.
Nappi
C
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2nd School of Medicine, University of Naples, Italy.
Petraglia
F
F
Cudemo
V
V
Volpe
A
A
Facchinetti
F
F
Genazzani
A R
AR
Montemagno
U
U
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000378:metabolism; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone