Plasma interleukin-18 levels are increased in the polycystic ovary syndrome: relationship of carotid intima-media wall thickness and cardiovascular risk factors.
OBJECTIVE
To determine serum interleukin (IL)-18 levels and to find out whether IL-18 is associated with carotid intima-media wall thickness (IMT) and various cardiovascular risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
A prospective, controlled study.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Sixty women with PCOS and 60 healthy women were included this study.


METHODS
Serum levels IL-18, homocysteine (Hcy), C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, malonyldialdehyde (MDA), lipid and hormone profiles were measured. Carotid IMT was evaluated for both common carotid arteries.


METHODS
Serum IL-18, carotid IMT, Hcy, CRP, IL-6, MDA, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance.


RESULTS
The evaluation, which was made without the obesity influence taken into consideration, revealed that patients with PCOS have increased serum IL-18 levels than that of the control group (214 +/- 102 vs. 170 +/- 78 pg/mL). The interaction between PCOS and obesity was seen to have statistical significance (F = 67.8). Body mass index (BMI), waist to-hip ratio, Hcy, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance are independent determinants of plasma IL-18 in patients with PCOS. Elevated serum IL-18 levels were positively and significantly correlated with a greater carotid IMT. For Hcy and carotid IMT, the interaction between PCOS and obesity was found in a two-way ANOVA variation analysis (F = 48.5 and F = 81.5, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Elevated serum IL-18 levels were associated with cardiovascular risk factors and carotid IMT in patients with PCOS.
Kaya
Cemil
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ufuk University, Balgat, 312Ankara, Ankara, Turkey. kayacemil000@yahoo.com
Pabuccu
Recai
R
Berker
Bülent
B
Satiroglu
Hakan
H
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D020382:Interleukin-18 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000473:pathology*
D020382:Interleukin-18; D002097:C-Reactive Protein