Cardiovascular consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome

Correlation of serum homocysteine levels and hyperinsulinaemia with body mass index in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies affecting women in reproductive age group. The interrelationship of serum homocysteine, homoeostatic assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and body mass index amongst overweight, obese and non-obese PCOS patients is not fully established.

Aims:

We aimed to study the correlation of serum homocysteine levels and hyperinsulinaemia with body mass index (BMI) in PCOS patients.

Study Setting and Design:

This was a case–control study in which 35 women with PCOS and 35 non-PCOS women acting as controls were enrolled.

Materials and Methods:

Cases were identified by Rotterdam's criteria. (IR) indices, HOMA determination and serum homocysteine levels were determined and their correlation with BMI was studied.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Student's t-test and analysis of variance test were used for statistical analysis. The Pearson correlation coefficient was then used to estimate the correlation.

Results:

On overall evaluation, a significant positive correlation of fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and serum homocysteine) was observed (P < 0.05), however, on evaluating the correlation of these markers independently in cases and controls, only fasting insulin and HOMA-IR showed a significant correlation. In a multivariate model where PCOS was considered a dependent variable with age, fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, serum homocysteine and body mass index as the independent variables, only serum homocysteine levels were found to be significantly associated with the dependent variable (odds ratio = 1.172; 95% confidence interval = 1.032–1.330).

Conclusion:

PCOS women had significantly higher mean fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and homocysteine levels as compared to non-PCOS controls. Mean HOMA-IR, homocysteine and fasting insulin levels showed a significant incremental trend with increasing BMI category in overall evaluation as well as in cases and controls independently.

Low birth-weight is a PCOS risk factor for Southern-Italian women

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine and metabolic disorder, characterized by chronic anovulation/oligomenorrhea, hyperandrogenism and insulin-resistance. Initial studies on the genetic basis of this disorder suggested both a maternal and paternal pattern of inheritance. Birth weight has become a main factor to consider when investigating the etiology of an adult-onset disease, since it is a simple indicator of intrauterine adverse conditions. The aim of our study is to validate the "low birth-weight" as risk factor for the development of PCOS. We performed a retrospective study on 188 PCOS patients and 185 controls, showing that Southern-Italian PCOS population have a significant lower birth-weight comparing to the control population; interestingly, PCOS women with low and normal low weight at birth show higher levels of androgens. Taken together, our result highlights the importance of the "birth-weight" factor for PCOS anamnesis.

Metabolic and carbohydrate characteristics of different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To compare the prevalence of various metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors and insulin resistance between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients with or without hyperandrogenism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study involving women with PCOS as diagnosed according to the Androgen Excess (AE) Society definition (n=504) and women with normoandrogenemic PCOS (n=183). Anthropometrics, lipid profile, glucose, insulin, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and reproductive hormone levels were evaluated.

RESULTS

Women with PCOS diagnosed according to the AE Society had a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome compared with the normoandrogenemic PCOS phenotype: odds ratio (OR) 2.95 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-7.21]. There was no significant difference in the prevalence glucose intolerance test between the groups [OR: 2.15, 95% CI 0.71-6.56]. The prevalence of low high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol in the group under the AE-PCOS Society criteria was higher than that of the normoandrogenemic PCOS group [OR: 2.82, 95%CI 1.29-3.36].

CONCLUSION

The risks of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease may vary among the phenotypes of PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria. This new data may be of reference in informing women with PCOS, although further prospective studies are needed to validate this proposition.

The menstrual cycle regularization following D-chiro-inositol treatment in PCOS women: a retrospective study

Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by irregular cycles, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovary at ultrasound and insulin resistance. The effectiveness of D-chiro-inositol (DCI) treatment in improving insulin resistance in PCOS patients has been confirmed in several reports. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze the effect of DCI on menstrual cycle regularity in PCOS women. This was a retrospective study of patients with irregular cycles who were treated with DCI. Of all PCOS women admitted to our centre, 47 were treated with DCI and had complete medical charts. The percentage of women reporting regular menstrual cycles significantly increased with increasing duration of DCI treatment (24% and 51.6% at a mean of 6 and 15 months of treatment, respectively). Serum AMH levels and indexes of insulin resistance significantly decreased during the treatment. Low AMH levels, high HOMA index, and the presence of oligomenorrhea at the first visit were the independent predictors of obtaining regular menstrual cycle with DCI. In conclusion, the use of DCI is associated to clinical benefits for many women affected by PCOS including the improvement in insulin resistance and menstrual cycle regularity. Responders to the treatment may be identified on the basis of menstrual irregularity and hormonal or metabolic markers.

Bisphenol A (BPA) and its potential role in the pathogenesis of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common and the most heterogeneous endocrine disorder in premenopausal women. Apart from signs of hyperandrogenism such as acne, hirsutism and hair loss, women with PCOS usually present with menstrual irregularities and fertility problems.Additionally, they are often characterized by impaired glucose tolerance, which usually leads to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review article describes current and novel approach to the pathomechanisms of PCOS and the potential role of an endocrine disrupting chemical ("endocrine disruptor" - ED) - bisphenol A (BPA), which is commonly used as a plasticizer and due to its molecular structure can interact with estrogen receptors (ERs). Recent observations point to the higher levels of BPA in biological fluids of women with PCOS and its role in the pathogenesis of hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia. It seems that mother's exposure to BPA during pregnancy may also lead to the development of PCOS in the female offspring.

Statins for women with polycystic ovary syndrome not actively trying to conceive

BACKGROUND

Statins, as lipid-lowering agents with pleiotropic actions, are likely not only to improve the dyslipidaemia associated with polycystic ovary syndrome but may also exert other beneficial metabolic and endocrine effects.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of statin therapy for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who are not actively trying to conceive.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the following databases (from inception to week 1, July 2011): the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL. We handsearched relevant conference proceedings and references of the identified articles for additional studies. We also contacted experts for further studies in progress.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a statin versus placebo or statin in combination with another drug versus another drug alone in women with PCOS.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors performed data collection and analysis independently.

MAIN RESULTS

Four trials fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. They comprised a total of 244 women with PCOS receiving 12 weeks or 6 weeks of treatment. Two trials (184 women randomised) studied the effects of simvastatin and two trials (60 women randomised) studied the effects of atorvastatin. There was no good evidence that statins improved menstrual regularity, spontaneous ovulation rate, hirsutism or acne, either alone or in combination with the combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP). Nor were there any significant effects on body mass index (BMI). Statins were effective in lowering testosterone levels (nmol/L) (mean difference (MD) -0.90, 95% CI -1.18 to -0.62, P < 0.00001, 3 RCTs, 105 women) when used alone or with the OCP. Statins also improved total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides but had no significant effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, high sensitivity (HS) C-reactive protein (HS-CRP), fasting insulin or homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) insulin resistance. No serious adverse events were reported in any of the included studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Although statins improve lipid profiles and reduce testosterone levels in women with PCOS, there is no evidence that statins improve resumption of menstrual regularity or spontaneous ovulation, nor is there any improvement of hirsutism or acne. There is a need for further research to be performed with large sample sizes and well-designed RCTs to assess clinical outcomes.

Association of polycystic ovary syndrome and a non-dipping blood pressure pattern in young women

OBJECTIVE

The association between polycystic ovarian syndrome and increased cardiovascular disease risk is still a controversial issue. In light of data documenting some common pathways or common end-points, the present study was undertaken to determine whether there is a relationship between sleep blood pressure pattern disturbances and polycystic ovarian syndrome in young women.

METHOD

The daytime and nighttime ambulatory blood pressures (BPs) were determined for each subject, according to the actual waking and sleeping times recorded in their individual diaries, in this cross-sectional study.

RESULTS

The study group comprised 168 women (mean age: 25.7+/-5.5) diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, while the control group included 52 age- and BMI-matched healthy subjects (mean age: 26.1+/-5.4). When nocturnal BP declines very little or not at all, with the BP falling less than 10% during sleep compared with waking values, this pattern is classified as a non-dipping BP pattern. However, the non-dipping pattern of BP changes was significantly more common in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients compared to the control group (p<0.01). The prevalence of a non-dipping BP pattern was 43.4% (73 patients) in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients and 3.9% (2 patients) in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Our cross-sectional study revealed that a non-dipping BP pattern is highly prevalent in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients, even if they are young and non-obese.

The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in a community sample assessed under contrasting diagnostic criteria

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered to be the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, yet debate over appropriate diagnostic criteria and design limitations with sampling methodology have left some doubt as to the actual prevalence in the community. The objective of this study was to create a representative prevalence estimate of PCOS in the community under the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria and the more recent Rotterdam consensus criteria and Androgen Excess Society (AES) criteria.

METHODS

A retrospective birth cohort study was carried out in which 728 women born during 1973-1975 in a single maternity hospital were traced and interviewed in adulthood (age = 27-34 year; n = 728). Symptoms of PCOS (hyperandrogenism, menstrual dysfunction and polycystic ovaries) were identified by examination and the presence of polycystic ovaries in those that did not consent to the ultrasound were imputed.

RESULTS

The estimated prevalence of PCOS in this birth cohort using the NIH criteria was 8.7 +/- 2.0% (with no need for imputation). Under the Rotterdam criteria, the prevalence was 11.9 +/- 2.4% which increased to 17.8 +/- 2.8% when imputed data were included. Under the AES recommendations, PCOS prevalence was 10.2 +/- 2.2%, and 12.0 +/- 2.4% with the imputed data. Of the women with PCOS, 68-69% did not have a pre-existing diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The Rotterdam and AES prevalence estimates were up to twice that obtained with the NIH criteria in this, as well other prevalence studies. In addition, this study also draws attention to the issue of many women with PCOS in the community remaining undiagnosed.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors: do they have potential in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Many women of reproductive age are affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a heterogeneous endocrinopathy characterized by androgen excess, chronic oligo-anovulation and/or polycystic ovarian morphology. In addition, PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance, systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which, on one hand, lead to endothelial dysfunction and dyslipidaemia with subsequent cardiovascular sequelae and, on the other hand, to hyperplasia of the ovarian theca compartment with resultant hyperandrogenism and anovulation. Traditionally, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) have been used to treat dyslipidaemia by blocking HMG-CoA reductase (the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis); however, they also possess pleiotropic actions, resulting in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects. Statins offer a novel therapeutic approach to PCOS in that they address the dyslipidaemia associated with the syndrome, as well as hyperandrogenism or hyperandrogenaemia. These actions may be due to an inhibition of the effects of systemic inflammation and insulin resistance/hyperinsulinaemia. Evidence to date, both in vitro and in vivo, suggests that statins have potential in the treatment of PCOS; however, further clinical trials are needed before they can be considered a standard of care in the medical management of this common endocrinopathy.

Statins in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy affecting reproductive-aged women. The hyperandrogenemia associated with the syndrome is a result of excessive growth and steroidogenic activity of theca-interstitial tissues in response to various factors, including elevated gonadotropins, hyperinsulinemia, and oxidative stress. PCOS frequently coexists with other cardiovascular risk factors, such as dyslipidemia and systemic inflammation. Statins inhibit the synthesis of mevalonate, the key precursor to cholesterol biosynthesis, and reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Blockade of mevalonate production may also lead to decreased maturation of insulin receptors, inhibition of steroidogenesis (e.g., via limiting the amount of substrate: cholesterol), and alteration of signal transduction pathways that mediate cellular proliferation. The latter depend upon posttranslational modification of proteins (prenylation), a process mediated by mevalonate derivatives. Statins also have intrinsic antioxidant properties. Given the pleiotropic actions of statins, they are likely not only to improve the dyslipidemia associated with PCOS but may also exert other beneficial metabolic and endocrine effects.

Chromium picolinate for insulin resistance in subjects with HIV disease: a pilot study

AIM

Multidrug regimens in HIV disease are associated with an increased incidence of insulin resistance, by as much as 50%. Not only does insulin resistance predisposes subjects to diabetes but also it is associated with the metabolic syndrome and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies suggest that chromium picolinate can improve insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes. The objective was to study the efficacy and safety of chromium picolinate as a treatment of insulin resistance in subjects infected with HIV.

METHODS

The ability of chromium picolinate (1000 mug/day) to improve insulin sensitivity, determined with a hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic insulin clamp, was determined in eight HIV-positive subjects on highly active antiretroviral therapy.

RESULTS

The mean rate of glucose disposal during the clamp was 4.41 mg glucose/kg lean body mass (LBM)/min (range 2.67-5.50), which increased to 6.51 mg/kg LBM/min (range 3.19-12.78, p = .03), an increase of 25% after 8 weeks of treatment with chromium picolinate. There were no significant changes in blood parameters, HIV viral burden or CD4+ lymphocytes with chromium picolinate treatment. Two subjects experienced abnormalities of liver function during the study. Another subject experienced an elevation in blood urea nitrogen.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows that chromium picolinate therapy improves insulin resistance in some HIV-positive subjects, but with some concerns about safety in this population.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome in adolescents

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As polycystic ovarian syndrome is among the most common endocrinologic disorders during adolescence, there is always a need to investigate all new relevant data.

RECENT FINDINGS

The present review article, is occupied with - apart from basic knowledge on polycystic ovarian syndrome - issues concerning genetics, new trends in diagnosis, and data on metabolic and endocrine features of the syndrome. Finally, emphasis is given to current therapeutic trends.

SUMMARY

Early recognition and prompt treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome in adolescents is important to prevent long-term sequellae. More research is necessary in order to find answers to many clinical and theoretical aspects of the syndrome.

Sex hormone ratio changes in men and postmenopausal women with coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to investigate the potential role of sex hormones in coronary atherosclerosis in both men and postmenopausal women.

DESIGN

A total of 258 male and 236 female postmenopausal participants with angiographically defined stable coronary artery disease (CAD) were enrolled. We measured the levels of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone in the participants and in 156 male and 132 female disease-free and age-matched controls using commercially available radioimmunoassay kits.

RESULTS

In the male study participants and control subjects, the levels of E2 and P differed slightly in opposing directions; however, these differences were not significantly different, nor were there significant differences in T. However, the ratio of E2 to P in participants was significantly (P < 0.01) lower (even after adjustments for age and body mass index) than in the control subjects (mean +/- SEM: 70.2 +/- 56.4 vs 90.7 +/- 59.5, respectively). In the postmenopausal women, a slight decrease in E2 and increases in P and T in participants were not significantly different from levels in the control group. However, the E2 to P and E2 to T ratios were significantly (P < 0.01) lower (before and after adjustments for age and body mass index adjustments) in the participants relative to the control subjects (38.7 +/- 28.4 vs 49.6 +/- 36.3 and 46.5 +/- 37.6 vs 60.6 +/- 40.8, respectively). Correlation analyses demonstrated that the sex hormone ratio changes in both men and postmenopausal women were related with atherogenic blood lipoprotein changes. In both the male and female groups, levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone did not differ significantly between the participants and controls, and correlation analyses revealed no association between these hormones and the ratio of E2 to P in males and the ratios of E2 to P and E2 to T in females (r < 0.2, P > 0.05). Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that age and the presence of CAD were significantly and independently associated with the E2-to-P ratio in men and the E2-to-P and E2-to-T ratios in women and that E2-to-P ratio and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level were significant independent predictors of CAD in males; E2-to-P and E2-to-T ratios and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level were significant predictors of CAD in women.

CONCLUSIONS

In both men and postmenopausal women with angiographic CAD, there were significant differences (relative to age-matched control subjects) in sex hormone ratios, suggesting an abnormality that could influence coronary health. A lower E2-to-P ratio may be associated with the male disposition to coronary atherosclerosis, whereas lower E2-to-P and E2-to-T ratios may be associated with the same condition in females.

Resistência insulínica e perfil metabólico em pacientes com síndrome dos ovários policísticos de peso normal e sobrepeso/obesidade

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a sensibilidade insulínica e o perfil metabólico em portadoras de SOP com peso normal e sobrepeso/obesas. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas, retrospectivamente, 49 pacientes, entre 18 e 45 anos, divididas em 2 grupos, conforme o índice de massa corporal (IMC): grupo 1 (18,5-24,9 kg/m²) e grupo 2 (25-40 kg/m²). Dados coletados: pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD); valores basais e após TOTG da glicose, insulina, e da relação glicose/insulina; área sob a curva para glicose e insulina; HOMA-IR, HOMA-beta; perfil lipídico; testosterona total (T) e livre (TL). RESULTADOS: Maiores médias de níveis pressóricos, insulina, triglicerídeos, TL e índices de resistência insulínica, além de menores níveis de HDL, foram encontrados no grupo 2. Não houve correlação entre o IMC com nenhum dos dados, nem da TL e dos índices de RI com o perfil lipídico. CONCLUSÕES: A obesidade está associada a maior prevalência de RI e DM na SOP, independentemente da história familiar de DM. A ausência de correlação entre os índices de RI e da TL com o perfil lipídico sugerem que outros fatores, como os ácidos graxos livres (AGL), possam estar envolvidos na patogênese da dislipidemia na SOP.

Flow-mediated dilatation in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

There remains a large degree of disagreement about the association of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with impaired endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The purpose of this study was to determine whether overweight and obese women with PCOS have impaired endothelial function compared with weight-matched controls without PCOS and whether endothelial function is associated with cardiovascular risk markers and hormonal parameters.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis.

SETTING

An outpatient trial at the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation Clinical Research Unit.

POPULATION

Overweight and obese women with PCOS (n= 12) and weight-matched controls without PCOS (n= 10).

METHODS

Endothelial function, cardiovascular risk markers and hormonal parameters were assessed in the patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery using high-resolution ultrasound. Lipid profile, fasting insulin level, glucose level, insulin resistance, C-reactive protein level, folate level, Vitamin B(12) level and hormonal parameters.

RESULTS

Women with PCOS had significantly higher testosterone levels (P < 0.001) and free androgen index (P= 0.006) compared with the controls without PCOS. Both groups were normoinsulinaemic, and there were no significant differences in any of the markers of CVD between women with and without PCOS. Furthermore, FMD was similar in both groups (PCOS 6.1 +/- 1.2% versus control 5.6 +/- 1.0%, P= 0.77).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with a group of weight-matched women with similar metabolic profiles, normoinsulinemic, overweight and obese women with PCOS did not show any greater impairment in endothelial function assessed by FMD. A normoinsulinemic phenotype of PCOS with low metabolic risk factors may reduce the risk of endothelial dysfunction in overweight and obese women with this syndrome. Further studies are required that directly compare FMD in normoinsulinemic and hyperinsulinaemic women with PCOS.

Cardiovascular risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not only a reproductive problem but a complex, endocrine, multifaceted disease with several health complications. Cardiovascular abnormalities represent important long-term sequelae of PCOS.

Obesity and extreme obesity, manifest by ages 20-24 years, continuing through 32-41 years in women, should alert physicians to the diagnostic likelihood of polycystic ovary syndrome as a reversible underlying endocrinopathy

OBJECTIVES

Document obesity-extreme obesity in most 20-24, 25-29, and 32-41 years old women with PCOS as a stimulus for physicians to consider the diagnosis of PCOS, an underlying reversible endocrinopathy.

STUDY DESIGN

In matched age groups 20-24, 25-29, and 32-41 years, we compared BMI in 84, 129, and 188 Caucasian women with PCOS versus 956, 815, and 815 women in NHANES I (general population), and 25, 36, and 45 non-pregnant women (community obstetrics practice).

RESULTS

At ages 20-24, 25-29, and 32-41 years, mean+/-S.D. BMIs in women with PCOS (35.3+/-7.7, 36.0+/-9.4, 36.7+/-8.2) were much greater than NHANES I (22.8+/-4.6, 23.3+/-5.0, 24.5+/-5.6; p < .0001), and community (26.1+/-6.8, 26.9+/-6.6, 25.2+/-5.2; p < .0001). Classifying BMI <25 (normal), > or =25-30 (overweight), > or =30-40 (obese), > or =40 (extremely obese), at ages 20-24, 25-29, and 32-41 years: 76, 73, and 78% of PCOS women were obese-extremely obese, versus 7, 11, and 14% of NHANES I, and 20, 28, and 15% of community women. At ages 20-24, 25-29, and 32-41 years, only 10, 12, and 7% PCOS women had BMIs <25, versus 78, 74, and 66% NHANES I, and 48, 47, and 58% of community women.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity-extreme obesity in women, manifest by ages 20-24 years, continuing through 32-41 years, should alert physicians to the likelihood of PCOS, an underlying, heritable, potentially reversible, insulin resistant endocrinopathy that promotes obesity.

The molecular-genetic basis of functional hyperandrogenism and the polycystic ovary syndrome

The genetic mechanisms underlying functional hyperandrogenism and the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain largely unknown. Given the large number of genetic variants found in association with these disorders, the emerging picture is that of a complex multigenic trait in which environmental influences play an important role in the expression of the hyperandrogenic phenotype. Among others, genomic variants in genes related to the regulation of androgen biosynthesis and function, insulin resistance, and the metabolic syndrome, and proinflammatory genotypes may be involved in the genetic predisposition to functional hyperandrogenism and PCOS. The elucidation of the molecular genetic basis of these disorders has been burdened by the heterogeneity in the diagnostic criteria used to define PCOS, the limited sample size of the studies conducted to date, and the lack of precision in the identification of ethnic and environmental factors that trigger the development of hyperandrogenic disorders. Progress in this area requires adequately sized multicenter collaborative studies after standardization of the diagnostic criteria used to classify hyperandrogenic patients, in whom modifying environmental factors such as ethnicity, diet, and lifestyle are identified with precision. In addition to classic molecular genetic techniques such as linkage analysis in the form of a whole-genome scan and large case-control studies, promising genomic and proteomic approaches will be paramount to our understanding of the pathogenesis of functional hyperandrogenism and PCOS, allowing a more precise prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these prevalent disorders.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: a review for primary providers

PCOS is a metabolic syndrome that exists throughout the world with much clinical heterogeneity. PCOS is now appreciated as encompassing two interrelated metabolic phenomena--insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. Patients present with oligo-amenorrhea and clinical hyperandrogenism, and the diagnosis is based on clinical grounds with few laboratory tests necessary. Because patients are at higher than normal risk for diabetes, glucose intolerance, and hyperlipidemia, and perhaps at higher risk for coronary heart disease, newly diagnosed patients with PCOS should be evaluated for glucose intolerance and hyperlipidemia. The cornerstone of therapy today includes weight management, and further therapeutic intervention is focused on reproductive and cardiovascular health and treatment of insulin resistance. Clinical case continued The 17-year-old mentioned in the beginning of this article probably does have PCOS. She fits the clinical criteria: oligo-ovulation and hyper-androgenism (the acne and hirsutism). In addition, she is obese, which is also associated with PCOS. Her TSH and prolactin were normal, and as her presentation was not suggestive of an adrenal tumor or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (she had mild hirsutism, and those diagnoses are associated with more severe hyperandrogenism), no further laboratory evaluation was deemed necessary. Once the diagnosis was made, she was screened for lipid abnormalities and for glucose intolerance. Her LDL was 150, HDL 35; oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was normal. A pregnancy test was negative, and she was started on OCPs. Devoting herself to exercise and dietary change, she lost 10 pounds in her first 3 months after diagnosis. Her hirsutism and acne have improved with the OCPs and weight loss, and her menses are regular. She has elected to defer oral insulin sensitizers until her weight loss has stabilized. Findings PCOS is common in reproductive-aged women. Diagnosis is clinical and is supported by lab findings; there is significant clinical heterogeneity. Insulin resistance is likely central to the pathophysiology along with androgen excess. Health implications include infertility, diabetes, endometrial cancer, hyperlipidemia, and possibly coronary heart disease. Treatment is evolving and includes weight loss, OCPs, and insulin sensitizers.

Insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

With a prevalence of 5%-10% the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an exceptionally common disorder of premenopausal women. According to prospective studies, women with PCOS present abnormal glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus in 31%-35% and 7.5%-10%, respectively. PCOS patients have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia. The rate of spontaneous abortions as well as the risk to develop gestational or type 2 diabetes is increased in PCOS. Therefore, PCOS is not only a reproductive problem but a complex endocrine disease with important health implications. The role of the glucose metabolism in PCOS, the health consequences and possible interventions are reviewed in this article.

Die Insulinresistenz beim polyzystischen Ovar-Syndrom

With a prevalence of 5-10% the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder of premenopausal women. According to prospective studies abnormal glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus present in about 10.0% and 35.0% of adult women with PCOS, respectively. PCOS patients have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidaemia. The rate of spontaneous abortions as well as the risk of developing gestational diabetes is increased in PCOS. Therefore, PCOS is not only a reproductive problem, but a complex endocrine disease with important health implications. The role of glucose metabolism in PCOS, the health consequences and possible interventions are reviewed in this article.

Insulin-lowering agents in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a medical condition that has brought multiple specialists together. Gynecologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, pediatricians, and dermatologists are all concerned with PCOS patients and share research data and design clinical trials to learn more about the syndrome. Insulin resistance is a common feature of PCOS and is more marked in obese women, suggesting that PCOS and obesity have a synergistic effect on the magnitude of the insulin disorder. Hyperinsulinemia associated with insulin resistance has been causally linked to all features of the syndrome, such as hyperandrogenism, reproductive disorders, acne, hirsutism, and metabolic disturbances. Women with PCOS should be evaluated for cardiovascular risk factors, such as lipid profile and blood pressure. Modification of diet and lifestyle should be suggested to those who are obese. Several insulin-lowering agents have been tested in the management of PCOS. In particular, metformin is the only drug currently in widespread clinical use for treatment of PCOS. In a high percentage of patients, treatment with metformin is followed by regularization of menstrual cycle, reduction in hyperandrogenism and in cardiovascular risk factors, and improvement in response to therapies for induction of ovulation.

Testosterone and atherosclerosis

Hypoandrogenemia in men and hyperandrogenemia in women are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease but also with visceral obesity, insulin resistance, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1). These gender differences and confounders render the precise role of endogenous androgens in atherosclerosis unclear. Exogenous androgens, on the other hand, induce both apparently beneficial and deleterious effects on cardiovascular risk factors by decreasing serum levels of HDL-C, PAI-1 (apparently deleterious), Lp(a), fibrinogen, insulin, leptin and visceral fat mass (apparently beneficial) in men as well as women. However, androgen-induced declines in circulating HDL-C should not automatically be assumed to be pro-atherogenic, since it may reflect accelerated reverse cholesterol transport instead.Short-term application of supraphysiological doses of exogenous T can reduce the severity and frequency of angina pectoris and improve the electrocardiographic signs of myocardial ischaemia; long-term effects have not been investigated. Nonetheless, interpretations of the effects of pharmacological doses of androgens on arterial compliance and flow-mediated dilatation in particular must be treated with circumspection also because at physiological concentrations, beneficial, neutral, and detrimental effects on vascular reactivity can be observed.Testosterone exerts 'pro-atherogenic' effects on macrophage function by facilitating the uptake of modified lipoproteins and an 'anti-atherogenic' effect by stimulating efflux of cellular cholesterol to HDL. In the majority of animal experiments, exogenous testosterone exerted neutral or beneficial effects on the development of atherosclerosis. In conclusion, the overall effect of administration of testosterone on cardiovascular-disease risk is difficult to assess because androgens have such an extraordinary array of effects in vivo. When dealing with a complex multifactorial condition such as CAD, it is premature to assume that clinical benefits can be derived from manipulation of the sex steroid milieu - even when these assumptions are based on biologically plausible mechanisms or, indeed, on cross-sectional risk-factor observational data. Neither needs the therapeutic use of testosterone in men be restricted by concerns regarding cardiovascular side effects.

Androgens and coronary artery disease

A significant and independent association between endogenous testosterone (T) levels and coronary events in men and women has not been confirmed in large prospective studies, although cross-sectional data have suggested coronary heart disease can be associated with low T in men. Hypoandrogenemia in men and hyperandrogenemia in women are associated with visceral obesity; insulin resistance; low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C); and elevated triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and plasminogen activator type 1. These gender differences and confounders render the precise role of endogenous T in atherosclerosis unclear. Observational studies do not support the hypothesis that dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate deficiency is a risk factor for coronary artery disease. The effects of exogenous T on cardiovascular mortality or morbidity have not been extensively investigated in prospective controlled studies; preliminary data suggest there may be short-term improvements in electrocardiographic changes in men with coronary artery disease. In the majority of animal experiments, exogenous T exerts either neutral or beneficial effects on the development of atherosclerosis. Exogenous androgens induce both apparently beneficial and deleterious effects on cardiovascular risk factors by decreasing serum levels of HDL-C, plasminogen activator type 1 (apparently deleterious), lipoprotein (a), fibrinogen, insulin, leptin, and visceral fat mass (apparently beneficial) in men as well as women. However, androgen-induced declines in circulating HDL-C should not automatically be assumed to be proatherogenic, because these declines may instead reflect accelerated reverse cholesterol transport. Supraphysiological concentrations of T stimulate vasorelaxation; but at physiological concentrations, beneficial, neutral, and detrimental effects on vascular reactivity have been observed. T exerts proatherogenic effects on macrophage function by facilitating the uptake of modified lipoproteins and an antiatherogenic effect by stimulating efflux of cellular cholesterol to HDL. In conclusion, the inconsistent data, which can only be partly explained by differences in dose and source of androgens, militate against a meaningful assessment of the net effect of T on atherosclerosis. Based on current evidence, the therapeutic use of T in men need not be restricted by concerns regarding cardiovascular side effects. Available data also do not justify the uncontrolled use of T or dehydroepiandrosterone for the prevention or treatment of coronary heart disease.

Burgeoning dilemmas in the management of diabetes and cardiovascular disease: rationale for the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) Trial

A paradoxical increase in mortality attributable to diabetes has occurred, particularly during the last decade, despite the overall decrease in mortality attributable to coronary artery disease in patients without diabetes. Insulin resistance with or without frank type 2 diabetes has emerged as a major determinant of accelerated coronary artery disease and its sequelae. The advent of insulin sensitizers enables clinicians to target treatment of insulin resistance, as well as hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. The prevalence of diabetes in the United States is enormous and is increasing rapidly. Patients with diabetes respond less favorably to percutaneous coronary interventions and surgery compared with nondiabetic patients. These considerations led to the initiation of the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial. It is designed to determine whether treatment targeted to attenuate insulin resistance can arrest or retard progression of coronary artery disease compared with treatment targeted to the same level of glycemic control with an insulin-providing approach. It is designed also to determine whether early revascularization reduces mortality and morbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes whose cardiac symptoms are mild and stable. Despite challenges in study design and enrollment, intensive follow-up, and the long duration of follow-up planned, the questions being addressed are compelling and seem to merit the effort.

Clinical manifestations and insulin resistance (IR) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among South Asians and Caucasians: is there a difference?

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is more prevalent in South Asian women residing in the UK than in Caucasians. Insulin resistance (IR) is central to the pathogenesis of PCOS, while type 2 diabetes is commoner in South Asians. We aimed to determine a possible ethnic difference in the clinical and biochemical characteristics of South Asian vs. Caucasian women with PCOS.

PATIENTS AND DESIGN

A case-control cross-sectional observational study of consecutive women with anovular PCOS (47 South Asians, 40 Caucasians) and their age-matched controls (11 South Asians and 22 Caucasians).

MEASUREMENTS

Index subjects: a questionnaire-based interview on clinical symptoms and family history; anthropometric measurements, clinical observations of the presence and degree of acne, hirsutism and acanthosis nigricans; transvaginal pelvic ultrasound; biochemical analyses of fasting blood sugar, fasting plasma insulin, fasting lipids, testosterone, and SHBG concentrations.

CONTROL GROUP

age- and weight-matched unrelated women from the same ethnic backgrounds without PCOS seeking treatment for male infertility were studied by similar methods to those used with the index subjects.

RESULTS

South Asians with PCOS presented at a younger age (age 26 +/- 4 vs. 30.1 +/- 5 years, P = 0.005). Body mass index (BMI) and waist : hip ratios were similar in the two affected cohorts. More South Asians had oligomenorrhoea commencing at a younger age. Hirsutism (Ferriman Gallwey score 18 vs. 7.5, P = 0.0001), acne, acanthosis nigricans and secondary infertility were significantly more prevalent in South Asians. The fasting glucose was similar (4.52 +/- 0.08 vs. 4.62 +/- 0.09 mmol/l, P = 0.25), the fasting insulin higher (89.4 +/- 8.9 vs. 48.6 +/- 4.8 pmol/l, P = 0.0001) and insulin sensitivity (IS) lower (0.335 +/- 0.005 vs. 0.357 +/- 0.002, P = 0.0001) among South Asians. Serum SHBG was significantly less in South Asians (35 +/- 3.3 vs. 55 +/- 9.4 nmol/l, P = 0.02), while serum testosterone was similar (2.69 +/- 0.11 vs. 2.64 +/- 0.13 nmol/l, P = 0.37).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that South Asians with anovular PCOS seek treatment at a younger age, have more severe symptoms, and have higher fasting insulin concentrations and lower insulin sensitivity than Caucasians.

Metformin to restore normal menses in oligo-amenorrheic teenage girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PURPOSE

To describe our clinical experience in using Metformin combined with a high protein-low carbohydrate diet to restore normal menstrual cycles in teenaged females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

To enter the study, patients had to have well-documented PCOS, be oligo- (six cycles or less in the preceding year) or amenorrheic (absence of menstrual cycles for 1 year), and not have exclusionary diseases or drugs. Accompanying a high protein-low carbohydrate diet, Metformin (1.5-2.55 g/day) was given for 10.5 +/- 6.4 months (range, 4.5-26.5 months). Follow-up every 8-10 weeks for > or =6 months was scheduled with interval history, review of menstrual status, assessment of any Metformin-related side effects, brief physical examination, and determination of weight and blood pressure.

RESULTS

All 11 girls had normal fasting blood glucose and glycohemoglobin. Pre-Metformin, five girls were amenorrheic, three had only one menstrual cycle in the previous year, and three had > or =6 cycles/year. With Metformin, 10 of 11 girls (91%) resumed regular normal menses; 39% of 38 follow-up visits with regular normal menstrual cycles were ovulatory with normal luteal-phase serum progesterone (> or =2.3 ng/mL). Of the 11 girls, nine (82%) lost weight; five girls lost > or =11 lb and seven lost > or =5 lb. After adjusting for weight reduction, with Metformin, estradiol and progesterone rose (p =.0014,.027, respectively) (changes consistent with resumption of regular normal menses), total plasma cholesterol fell (p =.026), and there was a downward trend in testosterone (p =.068).

CONCLUSION

Metformin safely ameliorates the endocrinopathy of PCOS in previously oligo-amenorrheic teenage females with PCOS, facilitating resumption of normal menses in most girls.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: implications for the advanced practice nurse in primary care

PURPOSE

To discuss the diagnosis and management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by the advanced practice nurse in primary care.

DATA SOURCES

Selected research and clinical articles.

CONCLUSIONS

The disorder is an endocrinopathy characterized by chronic anovulation, resulting in multiple ovarian cysts. Recent research suggests a genetic etiology and a close association with obesity. Patients often present with hyperandrogenism, irregular menses, and infertility. Management is directed at the alleviation of individual symptoms.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

If left untreated, cardiovascular disease, abnormal insulin metabolism, and ovarian and endometrial cancers may develop.

The low-carbohydrate diet in primary care OB/GYN

As primary care becomes a larger part of the obstetrician/gynecologist's practice, we are beginning to be relied upon to address and manage fundamental primary care issues such as nutrition, obesity, hypertension, and the risk assessment for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Evidence is now showing that insulin in chronically excessive amounts plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of these illnesses as well as in polycystic ovarian syndrome and infertility. The recent trend in low-carbohydrate, high-protein dieting may prove to play a significant role in the management of these illnesses. This review will discuss the pathophysiology of hyperinsulinemia as is supported heavily in the literature. It will explain the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet in relation to hyperinsulinemia and how it compares with the more widely accepted high-carbohydrate/low-fat diet regimen. It will also address many of the commonly held concerns regarding low-carbohydrate/high-protein diets and provide a brief overview of the typical low-carbohydrate/high-protein diet regimen.

Toward a new approach: primary and preventive care of the woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), characterized by chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism, affects approximately 5%-10% of reproductive-age women. The reproductive consequences of this syndrome, such as menstrual irregularities and infertility, are well understood and managed by obstetrician/gynecologists. However, less is known about the metabolic consequences of PCOS. As primary physicians for women, we are obligated to promote disease prevention. This can be done by recognizing the significant impact that the metabolic consequences of PCOS have on long-term health while continuing to recognize and treat the reproductive abnormalities. This article reviews the metabolic consequences of PCOS, discusses the use of insulin-sensitizing agents in PCOS, and discusses the role of the obstetrician/gynecologist in the primary and preventive care of women with PCOS.

Evaluation and management of infertility in women: the internists' role

Interventions for infertility have greatly increased in number and sophistication. Women with multiple medical problems and women near or beyond menopause are now able to conceive. The internist will be called on to assess the risk that infertility interventions pose and to counsel patients accordingly. Knowledge of the medical illnesses associated with infertility, the types of infertility treatments available, and the medical complications of these interventions are required to properly assess this risk. Medical complications of infertility interventions can be direct effects of related drugs and technologies and indirect consequences of the induced pregnancy, multiple gestation, or associated medical conditions. This article reviews the definitions and scope of infertility, the interventions used for treatment of infertility, the medical complications of these interventions, the potential risks of fertility treatment in women unable to conceive spontaneously, and important issues for preconception counseling.

Pharmacological peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorgamma ligands: emerging clinical indications beyond diabetes

The discovery of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) as the molecular target for antidiabetic thiazolidinediones has heralded a new era in the approach to understanding the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and its relationship to cardiovascular disease. However, the subsequent discovery of PPARgamma-dependent modulation of immune function and the cell cycle has led to a new paradigm in the approach to treating proliferative, inflammatory diseases. Moreover, PPARgamma agonists can promote apoptosis, block angiogenesis and inhibit pathological remodelling in a variety of malignant and non-malignant pathological states. These findings imply that the pharmacological modulation of this key nuclear transcription factor and its co-factors could be important tools in understanding the relationships between multigenic diseases, and pave the way to a focused interventional approach in their treatment. With the availability of the PPARgamma protein crystal structure, the ligand binding domain co-ordinates and a better knowledge of the interaction of PPARgamma with co-factor assemblies, libraries of simple synthetic organic PPARgamma ligands can be constructed. High throughput screening can identify the best candidates for targeting cellular phenotypic transition, cell cycle control, inflammation and apoptosis. Instead of single agents for single pathologies, one can envisage the development of multifunctional therapeutic agents that target the multiple cellular processes that contribute to multifactorial diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases, and carcinogenesis. The considerable potential of PPARgamma ligands in the treatment of diseases other than diabetes is the subject of this review.