title: Serum testosterone predicts cardiorespiratory fitness impairment in normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Limited literature has shown that maximal oxygen consumption (V'O2max), that is the maximal capacity of an individual to perform aerobic work, may be lowered in overweight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, it remains unclear whether this impairment is associated with PCOS per se or is entirely due to body fat excess. Our objective was to assess whether cardiorespiratory fitness is altered in normal-weight PCOS women and to investigate which factors are associated with this phenomenon.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen normal-weight PCOS women and 15 age- and BMI-matched healthy controls. Fourteen subjects in each group completed the protocol.
  
  
  METHODS
  V'O2max and ventilatory thresholds (maximal incremental cycle ergometer test with breath-by-breath analysis of gas exchange), insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp) and androgenaemia (serum total and free testosterone, measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and equilibrium dialysis) were accurately assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Maximal V'O2 and power were strikingly impaired in normal-weight PCOS individuals, as compared with healthy controls (29·4 ± 1·5 vs 35·8 ± 1·6 ml O2/kg/min, P = 0·008; 138 ± 6 vs 170 ± 10 W, P = 0·011, respectively). Similarly, oxygen consumption and power at both the first and second ventilatory thresholds were significantly lower in PCOS subjects than in healthy women. In multiple regression analysis, V'O2max was negatively predicted by serum-free testosterone levels, but not by body fat mass and glucose disposal rate (R(2) = 0·45 P = 0·013).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cardiorespiratory fitness is impaired in normal-weight PCOS women. Androgen excess but not insulin sensitivity is associated with this alteration.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bacchi
authors.affiliation: Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Negri
authors.affiliation: Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Di Sarra
authors.affiliation: Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Flavia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tosi
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Cantor
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tarperi
authors.affiliation: Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Rossella
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moretta
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schena
authors.affiliation: Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bonora
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Hormonology and Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Jean-Marc
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kaufman
authors.affiliation: Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moghetti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D050177:Overweight / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone