Hepatic steatosis in young lean insulin resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in young lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance (IR).


METHODS
Case control study.


METHODS
Women with PCOS and healthy controls in a metabolic day ward.


METHODS
Seventeen young lean women with PCOS and 17 matched controls were studied prospectively.


METHODS
Fasting blood and a glucose tolerance test. Ovarian and liver ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT) of the liver (women with PCOS only).


METHODS
Anthropometric variables, biochemical and hormonal parameters, and several IR indices were determined. Hepatic lipid content was assessed with ultrasonography and CT of the liver.


RESULTS
Women with PCOS had higher androgen levels, and the IR indices, glucose and insulin area under the curve, QUICKI, MATSUDA, and HOMA, compared to controls. In addition to IR, women with PCOS had normal aminotransferase levels, and higher, although within the normal range, alkaline phosphatase levels compared with controls. Women with PCOS had no evidence of NAFLD by either ultrasonography or CT of the liver.


CONCLUSIONS
Young lean women with PCOS and IR do not have evidence of NAFLD. Because of the presence of IR, follow-up is required to determine whether they are at risk of developing NAFLD.
Markou
Athina
A
Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes Center, National University of Athens, Mikras Asias, Athens, Greece. amarkouuk@yahoo.co.uk
Androulakis
Ioannis I
II
Mourmouris
Christos
C
Tsikkini
Ageliki
A
Samara
Christianna
C
Sougioultzis
Stavros
S
Piaditis
George
G
Kaltsas
Gregory
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D013851:Thinness / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055815:Young Adult
D001786:Blood Glucose