title: Cornea in PCOS patients as a possible target of IGF-1 action and insulin resistance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Previous studies suggest that serum IGF-1 is higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The ophthalmologic effects of IGF-1 excess have not yet been investigated in women with PCOS. The aim of the current study is to compare the corneal thickness of patients with PCOS and those of healthy subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty three patients with PCOS and 30 age-matched and gender-matched healthy individuals were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured in patients with PCOS and in healthy individuals with an ultrasound pachymeter. IGF-1 values were also determined in the study group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Women with PCOS had significantly higher levels of IGF-1 and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) levels than the control group. Right and left CCT measurements were higher in the PCOS group than in the control group. A positive correlation between IGF-1 and right and left CCT was identified in both groups. In multiple linear stepwise regression analyses, IGF-1 independently and positively associated with HOMA-IR in women with PCOS. A correlation between total testosterone and CCT was identified in the whole group. In multiple stepwise regression analyses, total testosterone independently and positively associated with left central corneal thickness in the whole group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings indicate that PCOS has target organ effects on the eye. Consequently, it can change central corneal thickness. Higher IGF-1 levels seem to be the main causes of increased corneal thickness. Insulin resistance in PCOS is one of the underlying causes and promotes increase in IGF-1. We suggest a careful and detailed corneal evaluation in PCOS patients to prevent the potential risk of increased CCT, in addition to the already-known complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey, aysegulkebapcilar@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Ayse Gul
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Kebapcilar
authors.forename: Mehmet Gurkan
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Tatar
authors.forename: Suleyman Hilmi
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Ipekci
authors.forename: Gulsum
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gonulalan
authors.forename: Huseyin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Korkmaz
authors.forename: Suleyman
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baldane
authors.forename: Cetin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Celik
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D063171:Corneal Pachymetry; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000097:blood*; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000097:blood*; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology*; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I