Insulin resistant and non-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome represent two clinical and endocrinological subgroups

Resistance to the Insulin and Elevated Level of Androgen: A Major Cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

PCOS has a wide range of negative impacts on women's health and is one of the most frequent reproductive systemic endocrine disorders. PCOS has complex characteristics and symptom heterogeneity due to the several pathways that are involved in the infection and the absence of a comm14on cause. A recent study has shown that the main etiology and endocrine aspects of PCOS are the increased level of androgen, which is also known as "hyperandrogenemia (HA)" and secondly the "insulin resistance (IR)". The major underlying cause of the polycystic ovary is these two IR and HA, by initiating the disease and its severity or duration. As a consequence, study on Pathogenesis is crucial to understand the effect of "HA" and "IR" on the pathophysiology of numerous symptoms linked to PCOS. A deep understanding of the pattern of the growth in PCOS for HA and IR can help ameliorate the condition, along with adjustments in nutrition and life, as well as the discovery of new medicinal products. However, further research is required to clarify the mutual role of IR and HA on PCOS development.

Genetic construction between polycystic ovarian syndrome and type 2 diabetes

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in reproductive-aged women is identified to be one of the endocrine disorders. This heterogeneous disorder is categorized through oligo-anovulation and hyperandrogenemia. National institutes of health and Rotterdam criterions were used to diagnose PCOS women. Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is one of the complications in PCOS which is connected through insulin resistance (IR), which is a condition in which liver, muscles and fat infrequently respond to the hormones, and this leads to extreme IR and consequently leads to T2D disease. PCOS is inherited by the autosomal dominant mode of inheritance and may also with the different intricate patterns. Till now, many studies have been performed in PCOS with the genes identified by T2D and till now no studies have shown the similar genetic association and pathophysiology between both the diseases. So, the current review aims to investigate the genetic relation between PCOS and T2D and why both the diseases cannot be reverted. In this review, published data were screened with the T2D related genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms in PCOS women. The case-control, hospital-based and meta-analysis molecular studies disclosed both positive and negative connotations. Genetically, no relationship has been established between PCOS and T2D. Maximum studies have shown as PCOS women had developed T2D later in life because as a risk-factor, but none of the studies documented T2D women having developed PCOS as a risk factor. Apart from this, the disease PCOS is developed in women with reproductive age and T2D develops in both the men and women during adulthood. This review concludes as there is a genetic relation only in between PCOS and T2D, but not with T2D to PCOS and further it cannot be explicitly reverted from T2D to PCOS.

Effect of DHT-Induced Hyperandrogenism on the Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Morphology

Background and Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent disorders among women of reproductive age. It is considered as a pro-inflammatory state with chronic low-grade inflammation, one of the key factors contributing to the pathogenesis of this disorder. Polycystic ovary is a well-established criterion for PCOS. The present investigation aimed at finding the role of hyperandrogenism, the most important feature of PCOS, in the development of this inflammatory state. To address this problem, we adopted a model system that developed polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM), which could be most effectively used in order to study the role of non-aromatizable androgen in inflammation in PCOS. Materials and Methods: Six rats were used to induce PCOM in 21-days-old female Wistar albino rats by using a pre-determined release of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent non-aromatizable androgen, achieved by implanting a DHT osmotic pump, which is designed to release a daily dose of 83 μg. Results: After 90 days, the rats displayed irregular estrous cycles and multiple ovarian cysts similar to human PCOS. Elevated serum inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and the presence of a necrotic lesion in the liver, osteoclast in the femur, multinucleated giant cells and lymphocytes in the ovary based on histopathological observation of DHT-treated rats clearly indicated the onset of inflammation in the hyperandrogenic state. Our results show no significant alterations in serum hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), insulin, and cortisol between control and hyperandrogenised rats. DHT was significantly elevated as compared to control. mRNA studies showed an increased expression level of TNF-α and IL-1β, further, the mRNA expression of urocortin 1 (Ucn-1) was stupendously elevated in the liver of hyperandrogenised rats. Conclusions: Thus, results from this study provide: (1) a good PCOM model system in order to study the inflammatory changes in PCOS aspects, (2) alteration of inflammatory markers in PCOM rats that could be either due to its direct effect or by the regulation of various inflammatory genes and markers in the liver of hyperandrogenic state suggesting the regulatory role of DHT, and (3) alteration in stress-related protein in the liver of PCOM rats.

Transport of deoxy-D-glucose into lymphocytes of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is linked to increased risk of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus in patients' later life. The aim of this study was to investigate uptake of deoxy-D-glucose by peripheral blood lymphocytes of PCOS patients with normal fasting plasma glucose and normal glucose tolerance test. The study involved 20 patients with PCOS with normal fasting plasma glucose and normal glucose in 60 and 120 min of oral glucose tolerance test, aged 18-32 (mean 23), BMI between 20 and 30 (mean 26). A control group consisted of 20 healthy women matched for glucose level (normoglycemia), aged 18-28 years (mean 23), BMI 20-25 (mean 23). Blood for the studies was collected in fasting conditions onto heparin. Lymphocytes were isolated within 2 h from collection by centrifuging. The intracellular transport into lymphocytes was studied using tritium-labeled deoxy-D-glucose and measured with a liquid scintillation counter. Radioactivity in curie per minute (cpm) was evaluated after 24 h. An initial examination was performed to check the presence of GLUT4 in peripheral blood lymphocytes of PCOS women. In all of the studied time points, the value of cpm for lymphocytes of PCOS patients was statistically significantly lower in comparison with the value obtained for lymphocytes of healthy women. However, the profile of deoxy-D-glucose uptake (d cpm) was the same for lymphocytes in both studied groups without statistically significant differences. In lymphocytes of PCOS patients, GLUT4 was detected. The obtained results indicate that PCOS affects the intracellular transport of deoxy-D-glucose into lymphocytes of PCOS patients with normal glucose level.

Effects of hyperandrogenemia and increased adiposity on reproductive and metabolic parameters in young adult female monkeys

Many patients with hyperandrogenemia are overweight or obese, which exacerbates morbidities associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To examine the ability of testosterone (T) to generate PCOS-like symptoms, monkeys received T or cholesterol (control) implants (n = 6/group) beginning prepubertally. As previously reported, T-treated animals had increased neuroendocrine drive to the reproductive axis [increased luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse frequency] at 5 yr, without remarkable changes in ovarian or metabolic features. To examine the combined effects of T and obesity, at 5.5 yr (human equivalent age: 17 yr), monkeys were placed on a high-calorie, high-fat diet typical of Western cultures [Western style diet (WSD)], which increased body fat from <2% (pre-WSD) to 15-19% (14 mo WSD). By 6 mo on WSD, LH pulse frequency in the controls increased to that of T-treated animals, whereas LH pulse amplitude decreased in both groups and remained low. The numbers of antral follicles present during the early follicular phase increased in both groups on the WSD, but maximal follicular size decreased by 50%. During the late follicular phase, T-treated females had greater numbers of small antral follicles than controls. T-treated monkeys also had lower progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Although fasting insulin did not vary between groups, T-treated animals had decreased insulin sensitivity after 1 yr on WSD. Thus, while WSD consumption alone led to some features characteristic of PCOS, T + WSD caused a more severe phenotype with regard to insulin insensitivity, increased numbers of antral follicles at midcycle, and decreased circulating luteal phase progesterone levels.

The epidemiology and molecular mechanisms linking obesity, diabetes, and cancer

The worldwide epidemic of obesity is associated with increasing rates of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Epidemiological studies have reported that these conditions are linked to increased rates of cancer incidence and mortality. Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, is associated with insulin resistance and the development of dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and ultimately type 2 diabetes. Although many metabolic abnormalities occur with obesity and type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia appear to be central to these conditions and may contribute to dyslipidemia and altered levels of circulating estrogens and androgens. In this review, we will discuss the epidemiological and molecular links between obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, and how hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia may contribute to cancer development. We will discuss how these metabolic abnormalities may interact with estrogen signaling in breast cancer growth. Finally, we will discuss the effects of type 2 diabetes medications on cancer risk.

Obesity management in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Obesity and insulin resistance play an important role in initiating or maintaining ill health in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This implies that treatment that reduces body weight and insulin resistance would alleviate the symptoms of PCOS. Lifestyle modification has been found to be effective in restoring reproductive function in up to 80% of individuals who achieve at least 5% weight loss. However, long-term weight maintenance is a challenge. This article provides a review of reduced glycemic load diets, including low glycemic index, very low carbohydrate, high-protein and high monounsaturated fat diets, on metabolic and reproductive health in PCOS and non-PCOS populations. Dietary trials in non-PCOS women suggest that higher-protein, reduced glycemic load diets were probably more beneficial than the conventional low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet but further studies are required to confirm this in PCOS women. Similarly, the optimal exercise regime for PCOS women remains to be investigated.

Pharmacological treatment of obesity in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder affecting women of reproductive age and it is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Obesity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS, and the majority of patients with PCOS are obese. Over the last 20 years, the prevalence of obesity has dramatically increased, with probable associated increase in PCOS. Weight reduction plays an integral part in the management of women with PCOS. In this paper, current available weight reduction therapies in the management of PCOS are discussed.

Current trends in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome with desire for children

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most frequent endocrine diseases, affects approximately 5%–10% of women of childbearing age and constitutes the most common cause of female sterility regardless of the need or not for treatment, a change in lifestyle is essential for the treatment to work and ovulation to be restored. Obesity is the principal reason for modifying lifestyle since its reduction improves ovulation and the capacity for pregnancy and lowers the risk of miscarriage and later complications that may occur during pregnancy (gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, etc). When lifestyle modification is not sufficient, the first step in ovulation induction is clomiphene citrate. The second-step recommendation is either exogenous gonadotrophins or laparoscopic ovarian surgery. Recommended third-line treatment is in vitro fertilization. Metformin use in PCOS should be restricted to women with glucose intolerance.

Clinical, endocrine, and metabolic effects of acarbose, a alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, in overweight and nonoverweight patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical, endocrine, and metabolic effects of acarbose use in overweight and nonoverweight patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

DESIGN

Prospective analysis.

SETTING

Gynecology and infertility clinic of a tertiary care medical center.

PATIENT(S)

Seventy-four patients with PCOS and 30 healthy women.

INTERVENTION(S)

Acarbose use.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Clinical findings of hyperandrogenism, body mass indices, LH, FSH, DHEAS, total T, PRL, basal insulin, fasting glucose/insulin levels, and lipid profiles.

RESULT(S)

Acarbose treatment improved LH/FSH levels, decreased total T, DHEAS, basal insulin, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels, and increased high-density lipoprotein levels in patients with PCOS. Basal insulin and fasting glucose/insulin levels reacted more significantly in overweight patients undergoing acarbose treatment.

CONCLUSION(S)

Acarbose has been found to improve insulin levels and thus glucose/insulin ratios more effectively in overweight patients compared with nonoverweight patients with PCOS. This drug seems to be an effective drug to be used in overweight as well as nonoverweight patients with PCOS.

Associations of adiponectin with sex hormone-binding globulin levels in aging male and female populations

BACKGROUND

Changes with aging in serum gonadal hormones, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and adiponectin, which are involved in insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, are different in men and women. We examined the relationships of serum adiponectin concentrations with serum concentrations of hormones and SHBG in men and women.

METHODS

One hundred fifty-four men and 180 women aged from 50 to 85 years were included in the cross-sectional study. Serum concentrations of testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, SHBG and adiponectin were measured in men and women.

RESULTS

Serum adiponectin concentration showed a significant positive correlation with serum SHBG concentration in men and women (r=0.404, p<0.0001 and r=0.348, p<0.0001, respectively). Multiple regression analysis also showed that SHBG was the significant predictor for adiponectin in men and women. Serum adiponectin concentration in men showed a significant positive correlation with total testosterone concentration, but that in women was not significantly correlated with total testosterone concentration. Both adiponectin and SHBG concentrations in men (r=-0.222, p=0.0051 and r=-0.334, p<0.0001, respectively) and women (r=-0.281, p=0.0014 and r=-0.251, p=0.0048, respectively) showed significant negative correlations with the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index.

CONCLUSION

Correlations between adiponectin and SHBG were significantly positive in both men and women, and both adiponectin and SHBG might be involved in insulin resistance in both sexes.

Effect of insulin sensitivity on SHBG levels in premenopausal versus postmenopausal obese women

This study was performed to evaluate the impact of insulin sensitivity on sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and sex steroids in premenopausal and postmenopausal euthyroid obese women. A total of 227 women were eligible for this study. All were euthyroid, obese, and overweight; ages ranged from 25 to 69 years. Women were divided into premenopausal (n=151) and postmenopausal (n=76) groups. SHBG, sex steroids, thyrotropin, fasting and postprandial glucose, lipid profile, uric acid, serum insulin, and blood pressure were measured. No significant difference was found in mean SHBG levels between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The investigators observed that during transition from premenopause to postmenopause, SHBG levels increased in insulin-sensitive women in the postmenopausal group; however, SHBG levels decreased in insulinresistant women. It was concluded that SHBG blood concentration factors are likely to change during transition from premenopause to postmenopause. The positive effect of estradiol on SHBG levels is probably stronger in premenopausal women than in postmenopausal women. It has been noted that after menopause, the impact of insulin resistance on SHBG level seems more important than the effect of estradiol.

PCOS according to the Rotterdam consensus criteria: change in prevalence among WHO-II anovulation and association with metabolic factors

OBJECTIVE

The current report aims to compare the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosed according to the new Rotterdam criteria (Rott-PCOS) versus the previous criteria as formulated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (NIH-PCOS) in women with normogonadotropic (WHO-II) anovulation and assess the frequency of obesity and related factors determined in these women.

DESIGN

Cohort study based on large anovulation screening database.

SETTING

Two large tertiary referral centres for reproductive medicine.

POPULATION

WHO-II normogonadotropic, anovulatory, infertility cases.

METHODS

WHO-II cases were extracted from the screening database and classified according to both the Rotterdam and NIH criteria for PCOS. Within these two classes, the prevalence of obesity, hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance was assessed and compared and their relation to the difference in diagnostic criteria applied was analysed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of diagnosis PCOS in the WHO-II anovulation group. Prevalence of obesity, hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance in the two diagnostic classes.

RESULTS

The Rott-PCOS group appeared to be more than 1.5 times larger than the group classified as NIH-PCOS (91 versus 55% of the WHO-II cohort). Especially, women with ovarian dysfunction and polycystic ovaries at ultrasound scan, but without hyperandrogenism, were added to the PCOS diagnostic group. The Rott-PCOS exhibited a lower frequency of obesity, hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance compared with the NIH-PCOS group. Obese women in the Rott-PCOS group without androgen excess had a different metabolic profile compared with obese women in the NIH-PCOS group, with lower rates of hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinism, despite comparable distributions of body weight.

CONCLUSION

The present findings indicate that with the new Rotterdam consensus criteria, oligo/anovulatory women with less severe metabolic derangement will be added to the heterogeneous group of women with PCOS.

The presence of antibodies to oxidative modified proteins in serum from polycystic ovary syndrome patients

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5-10% of women of reproductive age. Free radicals, as a product of oxidative stress, impair cells and tissue properties related to human fertility. These free radicals, together with the oxidized molecules, may have a cytotoxic or deleterious effects on sperm and oocytes, on early embryo development or on the endometrium. Aldehyde-modified proteins are highly immunogenic and circulating autoantibodies to new epitopes, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), may affect the reproductive system. Autoantibodies or elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum are often associated with inflammatory response. The purpose of this work is to investigate whether PCOS women show increased levels of oxidized proteins (protein-MDA) and anti-endometrial antibodies (AEA) in their sera, compared with control patients, and to determine whether AEA specificity is related to oxidized protein derivatives. Sera from 31 women [10 patients with PCOS (PCOS group) and 21 women with male factor of infertility (control group)] were chosen from patients attending for infertility. Anti-endometrial antibodies were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with an endometrial cell line (RL-95). Antibodies against MDA modified human serum albumin (HSA-MDA) were also determined by ELISA. Oxidized proteins (protein-MDA) in serum were determined by a colorimetric assay. Patients with PCOS have significantly higher levels of AEA and anti-HSA-MDA, as well as oxidized proteins (protein-MDA) in serum than control patients. For the first time, we describe an autoimmune response in PCOS patients, in terms of AEA. The evidence of protein-MDA in the serum of these patients, together with the increased antibody reactivity to MDA-modified proteins (HSA-MDA) in vitro, supports the conclusion that oxidative stress may be one of the important causes for abnormal endometrial environment with poor embryo receptivity in PCOS patients.

Prognostic factors for ovulatory response with clomiphene citrate in polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate prospectively the prognostic factors for ovulatory responses following clomiphene citrate (CC) administration in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

STUDY DESIGN

Fifty-nine infertile patients with a diagnosis of PCOS were recruited. Ovulation was induced using 100 mg/day CC administered daily from days 5 to 9 of the cycle. Endocrine and metabolic parameters between responder and non-responder groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

For a 75-g fasting glucose load (75-g OGTT), blood glucose levels at 60 and 120 min, the area under the curve (AUC) and blood insulin levels at 120 min in the non-responder group (n=25) were significantly higher than those in the responder group (n=34), although the measurements of fasting blood glucose and insulin were not significantly different between the two groups. In the receiver operating characteristic curves, the most appropriate cutoff point was 120 mg/dl for the blood glucose level at 120 min and 9000 for the blood glucose x insulin level at 120 min. There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics or in the endocrine and metabolic parameters between conceived (n=9) and non-conceived groups (n=21).

CONCLUSION

The levels of blood glucose and blood glucose x insulin at 120 min after 75-g OGTT could be good biochemical markers of CC resistance in PCOS. No predictors of conception following CC therapy were identified by this study.

Thiazolidinediones for the Therapeutic Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a diagnosis made between late adolescence and the menopause in 5-10% of women. PCOS is a heterogeneous disorder of unknown etiology characterized by hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation. This syndrome consists of a diverse constellation of signs and symptoms, such as hirsutism, acne, acanthosis nigricans, obesity, menstrual irregularities, anovulation, and/or infertility. Features of the metabolic syndrome, including obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, are common in this patient population. Recent insights into the pathophysiology of PCOS have shown insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia to play a substantial role. Insulin resistance is increasingly recognized as a chronic, low-level, inflammatory state. Recent studies show that serum levels of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, are increased in the insulin-resistant conditions of obesity and PCOS. The optimal modality for long-term treatment should have positive effects on androgen synthesis, sex hormone-binding globulin production, the lipid profile, insulin sensitivity, inflammatory mediators, and clinical symptoms including acne, hirsutism, and irregular menstrual cycles. Treatment with insulin-sensitizing agents is a relatively new therapeutic strategy in women with PCOS. Current research has shown that the use of diabetes mellitus management practices aimed at reducing insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia (such as weight reduction and the administration of oral antidiabetic drugs) can not only reverse testosterone and luteinizing hormone abnormalities and restore menstrual cycles, but can also improve glucose, insulin, proinflammatory cytokine, and lipid profiles.Clinical treatment with troglitazone, a member of the thiazolidinedione family, for the management of PCOS complications such as insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and anovulation was found to have beneficial effects; however, it was taken off the market over concerns of hepatotoxicity. Although troglitazone is no longer available in the US, numerous clinical trials have established the role of thiazolidinediones in the treatment of women with PCOS. Clinical data emerging regarding the utility of two of the newer, safer thiazolidinediones, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, for this patient population, consistently demonstrate effective improvements of endocrine and ovulatory performance in women with PCOS. The benefit and importance of lifestyle modification and weight reduction, when it can be achieved, is still an important component in the long-term treatment of PCOS. Pharmacologic reduction in insulin levels using thiazolidinediones appears to offer another therapeutic modality for PCOS, which may ameliorate the progress of both hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism. However, additional studies of patients so treated are necessary before these agents can be considered first-line treatment for PCOS. Convincing data from randomized controlled trials with sufficient power to detect both the benefits and risks of long-term treatment with thiazolidinediones in women with PCOS remain to be obtained.

Insulin-sensitizing agents: use in pregnancy and as therapy in polycystic ovary syndrome

Treatment with insulin-sensitizing agents is a relatively recent therapeutic strategy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance. The key areas addressed in this review include PCOS and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes, as well as the use of insulin-sensitizing agents, particularly metformin, in the management of infertility in obese and non-obese PCOS women. Treatment with metformin in PCOS women undergoing IVF and the use of metformin during gestation will be discussed. The challenge for the health care professional should be the appropriate utilization of pharmacotherapies to improve insulin sensitivity and lower circulating insulin levels resulting in beneficial changes in PCOS phenotype. Further research into the potential role of other insulin-sensitizing agents, such as pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, in the treatment of infertile women with PCOS is needed.

Metformin-diet benefits in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in the bottom and top quintiles for insulin resistance

We prospectively assessed whether metabolic and menstrual benefits of metformin-diet were equally realized in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), categorized by pretreatment top (n = 32) and bottom (n = 35) quintile homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (IR). Effects of metformin (2.55 g/d) and diet (6300-8400 J/d [1500-2000 cal/d], 26% protein, 44% carbohydrate) were prospectively assessed for 12 months. Pretreatment, the bottom and top insulin-resistant quintile groups differed by median weight (84 vs 121 kg), insulin (7.8 vs 40.5 I(1/4) U/mL), IR (1.62 vs 9.28), homeostasis model assessment insulin secretion (131 vs 416), glucose (82 vs 98 mg/dL), sex hormone-binding globulin (40 vs 15 nmol/L), (all P < .0001), free androgen index (2.76 vs 10.8) ( P < .001), triglyceride (92 vs 131 mg/dL), high-density lipoprotein (46 vs 39 mg/dL), systolic blood pressure (116 vs 128 mm Hg), and diastolic blood pressure (76 vs 84 mm Hg), (all P < .01). After 12 months on metformin-diet, weight fell by 7% in both insulin-resistant groups (P < .0001), insulin, IR, and insulin secretion fell in the top insulin-resistant group by 60%, 64%, and 39% (all P < .0001), with smaller reductions in the bottom insulin-resistant group of 18%, 13% (P > .05 for both), and 22% (P < .01), respectively. The free androgen index fell 39% (P > .01) in the top insulin-resistant group. The pretreatment percentage of expected menses in the top insulin-resistant quintile (26 +/- 39%) was 1.6 times less than in the bottom insulin-resistant quintile (41 +/- 38%) (P = .026). Over the 12-month treatment period, the percentage of spontaneous regular normal menses increased to 72 +/- 27% in the top insulin-resistant quintile group (P < .0001) and to 77 +/- 31% in the bottom quintile group (P < .0001), with no group difference (P = .33). Metformin-diet metabolic effects were much more marked in women in the top vs the bottom quintile for IR. Women with PCOS in the bottom insulin-resistant quintile, conventionally thought not to respond optimally to metformin-diet, nevertheless experience significant metabolic and menstrual benefits. Metformin-diet should benefit most women with PCOS, even those with normal serum insulin, without IR.

Detecting insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome: purposes and pitfalls

Approximately 50% to 70% of all women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have some degree of insulin resistance, and this hormone insensitivity probably contributes to the hyperandrogenism that is responsible for the signs and symptoms of PCOS. Although uncertainty exists, early detection and treatment of insulin resistance in this population could ultimately reduce the incidence or severity of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Even if that proves to be the case, there are still several problems with our current approach to insulin sensitivity assessment in PCOS, including the apparent lack of consensus on what defines PCOS and "normal" insulin sensitivity, ethnic and genetic variability, the presence of other factors contributing to insulin resistance such as obesity, stress, and aging, and concern about whether simplified models of insulin sensitivity have the precision to predict treatment needs, responses, and future morbidity. Although the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique is the gold standard for measuring insulin sensitivity, it is too expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive to be of practical use in an office setting. Homeostatic measurements (fasting glucose/insulin ratio or homeostatic model assessment [HOMA] value) and minimal model tests (particularly the oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT]) represent the easiest office-based assessments of insulin resistance in the PCOS patient. The OGTT is probably the best simple, office-based method to assess women with PCOS because it provides information about both insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. The diagnosis of glucose intolerance holds greater prognostic and treatment implications. All obese women with PCOS should be screened for the presence of insulin resistance by looking for other stigmata of the insulin resistance syndrome such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, central obesity, and glucose intolerance.

Effect of rosiglitazone on endocrine, metabolism and ovulatory performance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance

The effect of rosiglitazone on endocrine, metabolism and ovulatory performance in the paitents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance was investigated. Twenty-five patients diagnosed as having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) combined with insulin resistance were treated with rosiglitazone for 12 weeks. Before and after treatment, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), insulin and glucose concentration, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholestero (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B levels and ovulatory performance were determined. The results showed that after treatment serum insulin levels was decreased significantly (P<0.01). The HDL-C was increased while LDL-C decreased significantly (P<0.05, P< 0.01). The serum LH, T, A concentrations and the ratio of LH/FSH were decreased, while SH-BG levels increased significantly (P<0.01). The ovulation rate during clomiphene citrate therapy was 72%, significantly higher than that before treatment. It is likely that reduction of hyperinsulinemia that is produce by rosiglitazone may effectively improve the endocrine, metabolism and ovulatory performance in the patients with PCOS and insulin resistance.

Android subcutaneous adipose tissue topography in lean and obese women suffering from PCOS: Comparison with type 2 diabetic women

The new optical device, the lipometer, enables the noninvasive, quick, safe, and precise determination of the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) layers at any given site of the human body. Fifteen anatomically well-defined body sites from neck to calf describe a SAT topography (SAT-Top) like an individual "fingerprint" of a subject. This SAT-Top was examined in 16 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and compared to the body fat distribution of 87 age-matched healthy controls and 20 type-2 diabetic women. SAT-Top differences of these three groups were described and, to render the possibility of visual comparison, the 15-dimensional body fat information was condensed to a two-dimensional factor plot by factor analysis. All PCOS patients had an android body fat distribution with significantly thinner SAT layers on the legs as compared to healthy controls. Moreover, a hierarchical cluster analysis resulted in two distinctly different groups of PCOS women, a lean (PCOSL) and an obese (PCOSO) cluster: compared to healthy women, lean PCOS patients had significantly lower total SAT development, even though height, weight, and body mass index did not deviate significantly. Especially on the legs, their SAT layers were significantly lowered, indicating a more "apple-like" fat distribution type. Obese PCOS women showed a SAT-Top pattern very similar to that of women with type-2 diabetes, although the mean age difference between these groups was more than 30 years. Compared to healthy controls, the SAT-Top of these obese PCOS patients was strongly shifted into the android direction, appearing as "super-apples" with a significantly increased upper trunk obesity to 237.8% and a significantly decreased leg SAT development to 79.8%.

Decreased total antioxidant status and increased oxidative stress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome may contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine oxidative stress by the level of protein carbonyls and total antioxidant status (TAOS), and whether oxidative stress is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

DESIGN

Controlled clinical study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Thirty women with PCOS and 31 healthy control women.

INTERVENTION(S)

Biometric measures and blood samples collection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid fractions, glucose, protein carbonyls, insulin, and other hormone (gonadotropins, androgens) levels and TAOS were measured. The estimate of insulin resistance was calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-R).

RESULT(S)

The women with PCOS had significantly higher serum fasting insulin, CRP, protein carbonyl levels, HOMA-R, LH levels, and LH/FSH ratios than healthy women. However, TAOS was significantly lower in women with PCOS. TAOS was negatively correlated with fasting insulin, HOMA-R, CRP, and protein carbonyls. Fasting insulin was positively correlated with protein carbonyls. High density lipoprotein (HDL) was inversely associated with fasting insulin, HOMA-R, and protein carbonyls.

CONCLUSION(S)

Increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity may contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women with PCOS, in addition to known risk factors such as insulin resistance, hypertension, central obesity, and dyslipidemia.

New approach to polycystic ovary syndrome and other forms of anovulatory infertility

Anovulation can be classified in the clinic on the basis of serum hormone assays. Low gonadotropins along with low estrogen concentrations are suggestive of a central origin of the disease, whereas low estrogen levels along with elevated gonadotropins indicate a primary defect at the ovarian level. Most anovulatory patients (approximately 80%) present with serum FSH and estradiol levels within the normal range (World Health Organization class II). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common but poorly defined heterogeneous clinical entity. Historically, characteristic ovarian abnormalities represented a hallmark of the syndrome. Because several etiological factors may lead to a similar end point (i.e., polycystic ovaries), the development of a clinically applicable classification of the syndrome has proven difficult. Clinical, morphological, biochemical, endocrine, and, more recently, molecular studies have identified an array of underlying abnormalities and added to the confusion concerning the pathophysiology of the disease. Despite the vast literature regarding the etiology and classification of PCOS, no consensus has been reached regarding the validity of criteria used to diagnose the syndrome. For instance, the significance of elevated serum luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations, insulin resistance or polycystic-appearing ovaries assessed by ultrasound for PCOS diagnosis remains uncertain. In contrast, hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation generally are believed to be mandatory diagnostic features. Patients with PCOS might visit a dermatologist for hirsutism, a generalist, or internist for complaints related to obesity or a gynecologist for irregular or absent bleeding. However, most patients seek the care of a gynecologist because of cycle abnormalities (oligomenorrhea) and infertility. In PCOS, serum FSH and estradiol (E2) levels are usually found to be within the (broad) normal ranges, whereas LH may either be normal or elevated. Because PCOS with normal or high LH does not seem to represent different clinical entities, it seems justifiable to consider this syndrome as a subgroup of WHO-II patients, although estrogen levels may be tonically elevated in these patients. This review will focus on characteristics of the heterogeneous group of WHO-II patients in an attempt to identify factors involved in the etiology and possible ovulation induction outcome of PCOS.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completion of this article, the reader will be able to outline the current classification of anovulatory infertility and to explain the characteristics and features used for classification.

Hyperinsulinism and its interaction with hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. It has become increasingly evident that insulin resistance plays a significant role both as a cause and result of the syndrome. The purpose of this review is to summarize the possible mechanisms leading to insulin resistance and resultant hyperinsulinism (HI) and their interaction with hyperandrogenism (HA) in PCOS. We conducted a computerized search of MEDLINE for relevant studies in the English literature published between January 1966 and January 2000. We reviewed all studies that investigated the roles of insulin, insulin receptor, and insulin gene in insulin resistance and its interaction with hyperandrogenism in PCOS. Insulin resistance in PCOS seems to involve a postbinding defect in the insulin receptor and/or in the receptor signal transduction. Current research has focused on identifying a genetic predisposition for insulin resistance in this syndrome. The answer to the question whether HI or HA is the initiating event is still unclear inasmuch as there are clinical and molecular evidences to support both of these approaches. Our view is that whichever is the triggering insult, a vicious cycle is established where HI acts to aggravate HA and vice versa. In this model, obesity and genetic predisposition seem to be the independent factors that can give rise or contribute to HI, HA, or both simultaneously. It seems that "hyperinsulinemic hyperandrogenism" represents a significant subgroup of PCOS, which probably needs to be renamed and reclassified in the light of this new approach.

Effect of troglitazone on endocrine and ovulatory performance in women with insulin resistance-related polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of troglitazone, a new antidiabetic agent that improves insulin resistance, on endocrine, metabolic, and ovulatory performance in women with insulin resistance-related polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

DESIGN

Prospective clinical study.

SETTING

Infertility outpatient clinic, Niigata University Hospital, Niigata, Japan.

PATIENT(S)

Thirteen women with PCOS and insulin resistance.

INTERVENTION(S)

Troglitazone (400 mg/d) was administered for 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Insulin and other hormone (gonadotropins, androgens) levels; various parameters relating to glucose and lipid metabolism before, during, and after troglitazone administration; and ovulation rate.

RESULT(S)

The mean (+/-SD) fasting insulin concentration was significantly reduced, from 18.3+/-8.9 to 10.5+/-7.1 microU/mL. The LH level was reduced from 9.7+/-3.4 to 4.8+/-3.9 mIU/mL and the testosterone level was reduced from 0.9+/-0.5 to 0.5+/-0.3 ng/mL in accordance. Atherosclerotic lipid levels also were normalized. Before troglitazone administration, the ovulation rate during clomiphene citrate therapy was 34.9% per cycle (15/43). This increased significantly to 72.7% (8/11) during troglitazone coadministration. Further, an ovulation rate of 42.3% (11/26) was achieved with troglitazone alone.

CONCLUSION(S)

In women with PCOS and insulin resistance, the reduction of hyperinsulinemia that is produced by troglitazone improves the hyperandrogenism that characterizes PCOS, restoring ovulation.

Lack of insulin resistance in fibroblasts from subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome

Insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by a novel defect in insulin signal transduction expressed in isolated human adipocytes as impaired insulin sensitivity for glucose transport and antilipolysis. To determine whether this is a generalized defect of a potentially genetic basis, or possibly a tissue-specific one, fibroblast cultures were established from age- and weight-matched obese normal cycling (NC; n = 5) and PCOS (n = 6) subjects. Adipocytes from the current PCOS subjects displayed impaired sensitivity for glucose transport stimulation (half-maximal effective concentration [EC50], 317 +/- 58 pmol/L in PCOS v 130 +/- 40 in NC; P < .025). Specific insulin binding was similar in fibroblasts from NC (0.57% +/- 0.10%/10(6) cells) and PCOS (0.45% +/- 0.10%) subjects. Fibroblasts from NC (4.9- +/- 0.5-fold stimulation) and PCOS (4.6- +/- 0.3-fold) subjects were equally responsive to insulin for stimulation of glucose incorporation into glycogen. Insulin sensitivity for glycogen synthesis in fibroblasts did not differ between NC (EC50, 9.6 +/- 0.9 nmol/L) and PCOS (9.1 +/- 0.9) cells. For thymidine incorporation into DNA, relative insulin responsiveness was similar in NC (2.3- +/- 0.3-fold stimulation) and PCOS (2.1- +/- 0.1-fold) fibroblasts. Insulin sensitivity for DNA synthesis was similar in NC (EC50, 12.9 +/- 2.4 nmol/L) and PCOS (7.6 +/- 1.3) cells. In summary, (1) insulin receptor binding is normal in PCOS fibroblasts; and (2) PCOS fibroblasts have normal insulin sensitivity and responsiveness for metabolic and mitogenic responses. Impaired insulin signal transduction, while present in adipocytes from a group of PCOS subjects, is not found in fibroblasts from the same subjects. This defect is not generalized to all cell types, but may be limited to specific tissues and responses.

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in childhood and adolescence

NIDDM in children and adolescents represents a heterogeneous group of disorders with different underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms. Most subtypes of NIDDM that occur in childhood are uncommon, but some, such as early onset of "classic" NIDDM, seem to be increasing in prevalence. This observed increase is thought to be caused by societal factors that lead to sedentary lifestyles and an increased prevalence of obesity. In adults, hyperglycemia frequently exists for years before a diagnosis of NIDDM is made and treatment is begun. Microvascular complications, such as retinopathy, are often already present at the time of diagnosis. Children are frequently asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis, so screening for this disorder in high-risk populations is important. Screening should be considered for children of high-risk ethnic populations with a strong family history of NIDDM with obesity or signs of hyperinsulinism, such as acanthosis nigricans. Even for children in these high-risk groups who do not yet manifest hyperglycemia, primary care providers can have an important role in encouraging lifestyle modifications that might delay or prevent onset of NIDDM.

Hyperinsulinemia is common in family members of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether disorders of insulin secretion are common in male and female family members of subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

DESIGN

Family study of siblings and parents of PCOS subjects (five families). All proband cases met the criteria of polycystic ovaries (PCO) by ultrasound (US) and hyperandrogenism.

SETTING

University Reproductive Medicine Unit.

PATIENT(S)

Family members of PCOS subjects.

INTERVENTION(S)

Oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT), insulin, and lipids were measured. Clinical examination including assessment of premature baldness in men and US of ovaries in female members.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Insulin, lipids, and clinical parameters.

RESULT(S)

Hyperinsulinemia (69%) and hypertriglyceridemia (56%) was common in family members as were PCO in 79% of 24 females and premature baldness in men in 88% of eight subjects.

CONCLUSION(S)

Hyperinsulinemia is a potential metabolic and genetic marker for subjects who may be carriers of a familial tendency for PCO.