Role of androgen excess on metabolic aberrations and cardiovascular risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with a clustering of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. Insulin resistance is implicated as the major player in the metabolic abnormalities and contributes to the increased cardiovascular risk associated with the syndrome. However, androgen excess appears to participate as an independent parameter, which further aggravates the cardiovascular and metabolic aberrations in affected women with PCOS. The resultant impact of hyperandrogenemia possibly acquires clinical significance for women's health in the context of PCOS, particularly since recent data support an increased incidence of coronary artery disease and of cardiovascular events directly related to androgen levels in women with the syndrome.
Christakou
Charikleia D
CD
Endocrine Unit, First Department of Medicine, Medical Scool, University of Athens, Greece. cchristak@med.uoa.gr
Diamanti-Kandarakis
Evanthia
E
D000728:Androgens / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000150:complications*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013739:Testosterone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism
D000728:Androgens; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D013739:Testosterone