Increased arterial stiffness in nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) without comorbidities: one more characteristic inherent to the syndrome?
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with adverse metabolic effects. Some cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers are increased in women with PCOS. However, early markers of atherosclerosis are also associated with obesity and insulin resistance, which are related to PCOS. These markers may result either directly from PCOS or indirectly as a consequence of the comorbidities associated with the syndrome.


BACKGROUND
To assess the presence of early CVD markers in young, nonobese women with PCOS.


METHODS
Forty women with PCOS and 50 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles, matched for age and body mass index (BMI).


METHODS
The following CVD markers were assessed by ultrasonography: common carotid artery (CCA) stiffness index (beta), distensibility and intima-media thickness (IMT), and brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Inflammatory markers, including interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, homocysteine, C-reactive protein (CRP), glycaemia, lipid profile and insulin, were also assessed.


RESULTS
CCA beta was higher in PCOS than in control women (3.72 +/- 0.96 vs. 3.36 +/- 0.96, P = 0.04) and CCA distensibility was lower (0.31 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.35 +/- 0.09 mmHg(-1), P = 0.02). Waist circumference, total testosterone and the Free Androgen Index (FAI) were higher in PCOS patients than in controls (78.2 +/- 10.0 vs. 71.5 +/- 7.2 cm, P = 0.001; 88.1 +/- 32.4 vs. 57.1 +/- 21.2 ng/dl, P < 0.01; 12.7 +/- 15.7%vs. 4.7 +/- 2.3%, P < 0.01, respectively), while SHBG was reduced (37.9 +/- 19.1 vs. 47.8 +/- 18.3 nmol/l, P = 0.01). The remaining variables did not differ between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Young women with PCOS exhibit changes in vascular elasticity even in the absence of classical risk factors for CVD, such as hypertension and obesity.
Soares
Gustavo Mafaldo
GM
Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Vieira
Carolina Sales
CS
Martins
Wellington Paula
WP
Franceschini
Sílvio Antônio
SA
dos Reis
Rosana Maria
RM
Silva de Sá
Marcos Felipe
MF
Ferriani
Rui Alberto
RA
D000328:Adult; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D009017:Morbidity; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000097:blood; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult
D015850:Interleukin-6; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha