Dissociation of endothelial function and arterial stiffness in nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Evaluation of carotid artery elasticity and its influencing factors in non-obese PCOS patients using a technique for quantitative vascular elasticity measurement

Objectives

To evaluate the intima-media thickness (IMT) and elasticity of the carotid artery in non-obese polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients using a quantitative technique for vascular elasticity measurement and to explore the influencing factors.

Methods

Sixty non-obese patients without metabolic and cardiovascular diseases who were diagnosed with PCOS in the Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January to December 2022 were prospectively selected (case group), and 60 healthy volunteers matched for body mass index were included as the control group. Body weight, height, heart rate, blood pressure, and waist-to-hip ratio were recorded. Fasting blood samples were drawn from the elbow vein to measure hormone levels including total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), lipids, and homocysteine (Hcy). The insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and free androgen index (FAI) were calculated. Ultrasound elastography was used to measure the IMT and elastic function parameters of the right carotid artery, including vessel diameter, wall displacement, stiffness coefficient, and pulse wave velocity. Differences in various parameters between the two groups were analyzed, and correlations between the carotid stiffness coefficient and other serological indicators were assessed using Spearman correlation analysis.

Results

No significant differences in age, body mass index, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were observed between the two groups (all P>0.05), while the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was higher in the case group than in the control group (P<0.05).The hormone level serological indicators TT and FAI were higher in the case group than in the control group, and SHBG was lower in the case group than in the control group (all P<0.05). The metabolism-related serum indicators LDL-C, HDL-C, FPG, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels were not statistically different between the two groups (all P>0.05), and serum FINS, HOMA-IR, and Hcy levels were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (all P<0.05).No significant difference in carotid artery diameter was observed between the case group and control group (P>0.05). The carotid artery displacement in the case group was significantly smaller than that in the control group (P<0.05), and carotid IMT, hardness coefficient, and pulse wave propagation velocity were greater in the case group than in the control group (all P<0.05). The carotid elastic stiffness coefficient was positively correlated with WHR, TT, SHBG, FAI, FINS, HOMA-IR and Hcy to varying extents and negatively correlated with SHBG.

Conclusion

In non-obese PCOS patients with no metabolic or cardiovascular disease, the carotid stiffness coefficient was increased and correlated with indicators of hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and hyperhomocysteinemia.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: A review of diagnosis and management, with special focus on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy worldwide with a heterogeneous clinical presentation including reproductive, metabolic, and endocrine elements. However, the assessment and management of PCOS remains inconsistent, with many women undiagnosed and untreated. We now also understand that the management of PCOS should extend throughout a woman's lifespan as many elements of the syndrome persist after menopause. Management has traditionally focused on the treatment of hyperandrogenism and oligomenorrhea. Women with PCOS often have dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, which may be worsened by the hormonal abnormalities, and are therefore at higher risk for cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, a risk that increases after menopause. While treatment with hormonal therapy, in particular combined oral contraceptives, may improve cardiovascular risk factors, management plans should incorporate specific diagnosis and management of these factors, if present, because of the strong contribution to the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Given the complexities of the syndrome, optimal management often requires a multi-disciplinary approach including the lipid and cardiometabolic specialist to provide counseling and support for lifestyle modification along with pharmacologic therapy as indicated to address the full range of any reproductive, endocrine, and cardiometabolic abnormalities.

Possible Effect of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): An Update

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women during the fertile period. Women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing major cardiovascular risk factors during the fertile period: obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. The possible effect of PCOS on cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been reported in different studies, but the results are not clear for several reasons. Indeed, most of the studies analyzed a cohort of fertile women who, given their relatively young age, have a low frequency of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, longitudinal studies have a short follow-up period, insufficient to draw firm conclusions on this topic. Finally, pharmacological treatment is limited by the lack of specific drugs available to specifically treat PCOS. In this review, we report on studies that analyzed the possible effect of PCOS on the most common CVD (hypertension, arterial stiffness, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular event) and available drugs used to reduce CVD in PCOS women.

Impact of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome on Silent Coronary Artery Disease and Cardiovascular Events; A Long-term Population-based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The existing data regarding the impact of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) are conflicting.

AIM

To explore the effect of PCOS status on the occurrence of silent coronary artery disease (CAD)/CVD.

METHODS

A total of 1591 women without CVD at baseline, aged 18-45 years, including 356 PCOS patients (defined by the Rotterdam criteria) and 1235 eumenorrheic non-hirsute women without polycystic ovarian morphology (controls), were selected from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). The median follow-up was 15.4 years, and most participants were in their late reproductive years at the end of the study. Silent CAD and CVD outcomes in PCOS and control groups were compared according to the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and cumulative hazard functions.

RESULTS

There was no difference in CVD risk factors between the PCOS and control groups. After controlling for confounders, PCOS status did not increase the risk of silent CAD (HR: 0.96, 95% CI 0.86-1.08). Regardless of PCOS status, women with a history of silent CAD showed 2.25 times higher CVD events than those without this history (95% CI 1.63-3.10). PCOS status reduced the CVD incidence by 42%, independently of silent CAD or traditional risk factors (HR: 0.58, 95% CI 0.35-0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

Whereas silent CAD, regardless of PCOS, accelerated CVD, PCOS preserved it, most likely due to a combination of protective factors, including the endocrine pattern in the late reproductive period, environmental/social elements, and recruiting additional counseling and lifestyle modifications.

Cardiovascular Health Does Not Change Following High-Intensity Interval Training in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Introduction: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. First-line therapy for PCOS is lifestyle changes including exercise. We compared CVD risk factors between women with and without PCOS and examined the responses to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Methods: women with PCOS were randomized to HIIT (n = 41) or a non-exercise control group (n = 23) for 16 weeks. Women without PCOS (n = 15) were age- and BMI-matched to participants with PCOS and completed 16 weeks of HIIT. CVD markers included blood pressure, heart rate, flow mediated dilatation (FMD), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and circulating concentrations of lipids, glucose, insulin, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Results: resting heart rate was higher in women with PCOS than without PCOS (p =0.011) and was reduced after HIIT in women with PCOS (−2.8 beats/min, 95% CI: −5.4, −0.2, p = 0.037). FMD was not significantly different between women with PCOS (5.5%, SD 4.1) and those without PCOS (8.2%, SD 3.9) at baseline. HIIT reduced time-to-peak dilatation of the brachial artery in women with PCOS compared with women without PCOS (−55 s, 95% CI: −96, −13, p = 0.012). Conclusions: we found little difference in CVD risk factors between women with and without PCOS at baseline, but some indications of endothelial dysfunction in women with PCOS.

Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Functional and Structural Markers of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and subclinical atherosclerosis remains unclear. We performed a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of PCOS on functional and structural markers of subclinical atherosclerosis as measured by carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation (NMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and coronary artery calcium (CAC). Standard mean differences (SMDs) or odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Ninety-six articles involving 5550 PCOS patients and 5974 controls were included. Compared with controls, PCOS patients showed significantly thicker cIMT (SMD (95% CI) = .587 (.398, .776), P < .001), lower FMD (SMD (95% CI) = -.649 (-.946, -.353), P < .001) and NMD (SMD (95% CI) = -.502 (-.686, -.317), P < .001), as well as higher PWV (SMD (95% CI) = .382 (.019, .746), P = .039), and increased CAC incidence (OR (95% CI) = 2.204 (1.687, 2.879), P < .001). When analyzing subgroups by age and body mass index (BMI), results were still significant (P < .05) except for PWV in the BMI subgroup. There was no significant result on sensitivity analysis, and Begg' test or Egger's test. PCOS contributes to subclinical atherosclerosis, resulting in functional and structural changes in cIMT, FMD and NMD, PWV, and CAC incidence.

Cardiovascular Risk According to Body Mass Index in Women of Reproductive Age With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous condition that affects women of reproductive age. The association between PCOS and cardiovascular risk according to body mass index (BMI) categories is unclear.

Objective

We evaluated the association between cardiovascular risk according to BMI categories and PCOS in women of reproductive age.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in the EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases from their inception to 9 September, 2021. Observational cross-sectional, retrospective, and prospective controlled studies were included. The main analyses examined the relationship between cardiovascular risks (i.e., blood pressure and lipid levels) and BMI in women of reproductive age with PCOS.

Results

Thirty-eight studies, with a total of 6,078 subjects, were included in this metaanalysis. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were higher in women of reproductive age with PCOS. Lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol [SMD (95% CI): −0.21 (−0.35, −0.08), p = 0.002], higher triglycerides [SMD (95% CI): 0.38 (0.29, 0.48), p < 0.001], higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol [SMD (95% CI): 0.29 (0.20, 0.39), p < 0.001], higher nonHDL-cholesterol [SMD (95% CI): 0.42 (0.31, 0.52), p < 0.001] and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) [MD (95% CI): 0.03 (0.02, 0.04), p < 0.001] were seen in women of reproductive age with PCOS. In addition, the subgroup analysis revealed that systolic BP and HDL-cholesterol increased at BMI < 25 kg/m² and BMI 25–30 kg/m². Diastolic BP increased at BMI 25–30 kg/m². Triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, nonHDL-cholesterol, and WHR increased in all BMI categories.

Conclusions

PCOS is associated with cardiovascular risk. Lipid levels and BP increased in women of reproductive age with PCOS, regardless of BMI.

Systematic Review Registration

Open Science Framework (10.17605/OSF.IO/92NBY).

Assessment of Early Markers of Cardiovascular Risk in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous syndrome, with long-term sequelae from birth to senescence. The long-term effects of PCOS are attributed to several metabolic aberrations ensuing the syndrome. In a systematic review of literature regarding the cardiovascular risk factors that accompany PCOS, we found that macrovascular function has been assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), microvascular function by venous occlusion plethysmography (VOP), and arterial structure by ultrasonographic assessment of intima-media thickness (IMT) usually of the carotid artery. Contradictory results have been reported; however, in most studies, endothelial dysfunction, an early marker of atherosclerosis assessed either by haemodynamic methods such as FMD or by biochemical methods such as endothelin-1 levels, was found to be impaired. VOP is a less-studied method, with few indices altered. IMT was found to be altered in most of the included studies, but the population was more heterogeneous. Inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, were also found to be altered in most studies. On the other hand, a number of interventions have been shown beneficial for the markers of cardiovascular risk, in the context of insulin-sensitizers. However, other interventions such as oral contraceptive pills or statins did not consistently show a similar beneficial effect. In summary, the early identification and eventual treatment of cardiovascular clinical and biochemical risk factors may be used in clinical practice to prevent potential 'silent' triggers of cardiovascular disease.

Assessment of Early Markers of Cardiovascular Risk in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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Gonadal hormones and stroke risk: PCOS as a case study

It is well known that stroke incidence and outcome is sex-dependent and influenced by age and gonadal hormones. In post-menopausal and/or aged females, declining estrogen levels increases stroke risk. However, women who experience early menopause also have an increase in stroke risk. This suggests that, regardless of age, gonadal hormones regulate stroke risk and severity. This review discusses prolonged gonadal hormone dysfunction in a common female endocrine disorder known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS, and the associated increased risk of stroke due to resulting hyperandrogenism and metabolic comorbidities.

In women with PCOS, waist circumference is a better surrogate of glucose and lipid metabolism than disease status per se

OBJECTIVE

Cardiometabolic abnormalities are recognized in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, over-emphasis on PCOS as a risk factor potentially results in over-investigation and treatment of some women with and under-recognition of cardiometabolic risk in obese women without PCOS. Our objective was to explore the association between waist circumference (WC) and indices of glucose and lipid metabolism in women with and without PCOS.

DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

(i) An exploratory cross-sectional study investigating association of potential cardiometabolic risk markers (PCOS status, anthropometric measures, hsCRP, HOMA-IR, SHBG, testosterone) with indices of glucose (frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test) and lipid metabolism (postprandial studies and lipoprotein particle size) in 61 women with (n = 29) and without (n = 32) PCOS; (ii) a cross-sectional study in 103 PCOS women and 102 BMI-matched controls to explore if between-group differences in indices of lipid and glucose metabolism persist after adjusting for WC. NIH criteria were used for PCOS diagnosis.

RESULTS

Study 1: Univariate correlations and stepwise regression modelling identified waist circumference (WC), as a better surrogate than PCOS status, independently predicting multiple variables of glucose and lipid metabolism. Study 2: Fasting insulin and triglyceride, hsCRP and insulin resistance (according to HOMA-IR and SiM [Avignon index]) were greater, while fasting HDL was lower in women with PCOS compared to BMI-matched women without PCOS. None of these differences persisted when a subset of 80 women with PCOS was compared with 80 women without PCOS, pair-matched for WC.

CONCLUSION

Some cardiometabolic abnormalities in PCOS are related to central obesity, and following adjustment for WC does not differ from normal subjects. Waist circumference measurement has potential to take precedence over PCOS status as part of the assessment of cardiometabolic risk in reproductive-age women.

The impact of repetitive long-duration water immersion on vascular function

While physiological responses to water immersion (WI) are well-studied, the vascular responses after WI are less understood. Fifteen male subjects performed six-hour resting thermoneutral water immersions (WI) at 1.35 atmospheres absolute for four consecutive days, with follow-up on the fifth day. Measurements included peripheral endothelial function and augmentation index (PAT, peripheral arterial tonometry), beat-to-beat blood pressure (BP, photoplethysmography), heart rate (HR), and plasma volume (PV) calculated from changes in hemoglobin and hematocrit. The reactive hyperemia index (RHI), a marker of peripheral endothelial function, increased with repeated immersions (p = 0.008). By WI2 and WI3, RHI increased 12% and 16%, respectively, compared to WI1 values, but no significant differences were detected between WI4 and WI1 for either measure. Absolute augmentation index (AI) increased by an average of 33% (p<0.001) and AI normalized for HR (AI@75) by 11% (p = 0.12) following each WI. PV decreased significantly by 13.2% following WI and remained 6.8% lower at follow-up compared to pre-WI. Systolic blood pressure significantly decreased by an average of 2.5% following each WI (p = 0.012). Compared to pre-WI HR, average post-WI HR decreased 4.3% lower (p<0.001), but increased overall by 8.2% over the course of repeated WI (p<0.001). Total peripheral resistance increased by an average of 13.1% following WI (p = 0.003). Thus, peripheral endothelial function increases after two days of WI, and PAT-derived measures of arterial stiffness increase transiently post-WI. Additionally, BP and PAT-derived endothelial function diverge from their usual associations with arterial stiffness (i.e. augmentation index) in the context of WI.

Early Biomarkers of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Obese Adolescent Girls with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Because in obese youth, pulse wave velocity (PWV), an early cardiovascular disease marker, is elevated, we tested if obese girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (OB-PCOS) have higher PWV and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) compared with obese girls without PCOS (OB-non-PCOS) and normal-weight girls without PCOS (NW-non-PCOS) and whether PWV and cIMT correlate with inflammatory and circulating endothelial function biomarkers.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of PWV and cIMT in 91 OB-PCOS, 30 obese controls (OB-non-PCOS), and 19 normal-weight controls (NW-non-PCOS). Body composition, blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin, lipid concentrations, and endothelial function biomarkers were measured. OB-non-PCOS and OB-PCOS underwent 2-hour oral glucose tolerance testing.

RESULTS

PWV was higher in OB-PCOS (664 ± 24 cm/s) and OB-non-PCOS (624 ± 37 cm/s) compared with NW-non-PCOS (468 ± 13 cm/s, P < .001), with no differences in cIMT. Systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were higher, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and indices of insulin sensitivity were lower in OB-PCOS and OB-non-PCOS compared with NW-non-PCOS. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were higher in OB-PCOS compared with NW-non-PCOS. PWV correlated with adiposity (rs = .46), insulin sensitivity index (homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance rs = .31), systolic blood pressure (rs = .24; P ≤ .003 for all), and free testosterone (rs = .24; P = .03). In multiple regression analysis with PWV as the dependent variable and age, race, body mass index, PCOS, and dysglycemia as independent variables, only body mass index was an independent contributor to the model (r(2) = 0.068, P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

In adolescent girls, obesity and not PCOS appears to be associated with heightened cardiovascular disease risk. Increased PWV, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein may be the earliest subclinical atherosclerosis biomarkers in OB-PCOS.

Lower-limb veins are thicker and vascular reactivity is decreased in a rat PCOS model: concomitant vitamin D3 treatment partially prevents these changes

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes vascular damage to arteries; however, there are no data for its effect on veins. Our aim was to clarify the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PCOS both on venous biomechanics and on pharmacological reactivity in a rat model and to test the possible modulatory role of vitamin D3 (vitD). PCOS was induced in female Wistar rats by DHT treatment (83 μg/day, subcutaneous pellet). After 10 wk, the venous biomechanics, norepinephrine (NE)-induced contractility, and acetylcholine-induced relaxation were tested in saphenous veins from control animals and from animals treated with DHT or DHT with vitD using pressure angiography. Additionally, the expression levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) were measured using immunohistochemistry. Increased diameter, wall thickness, and distensibility as well as decreased vasoconstriction were detected after the DHT treatment. Concomitant vitD treatment lowered the mechanical load on the veins, reduced distensibility, and resulted in vessels that were more relaxed. Although there was no difference in the endothelial dilation tested using acetylcholine (ACh), the blocking effect of N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) was lower and was accompanied by lower COX-2 expression in the endothelium after the DHT treatment. Supplementation with vitD prevented these alterations. eNOS expression did not differ among the three groups. We conclude that the hyperandrogenic state resulted in thicker vein walls. These veins showed early remodeling and altered vasorelaxant mechanisms similar to those of varicose veins. Alterations caused by the chronic DHT treatment were prevented partially by concomitant vitD administration.

Arterial stiffness is increased in asymptomatic nondiabetic postmenopausal women with a polycystic ovary syndrome phenotype

OBJECTIVE

The metabolic dysfunction accompanying the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may increase the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although menopause per se may be an additional risk factor of CVD, the association between PCOS in postmenopausal women and cardiovascular risk has not been adequately investigated. We aimed to evaluate the effect of PCOS on markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in nondiabetic postmenopausal women.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 286 postmenopausal women with intact ovaries. PCOS phenotype was defined if three of the following were present: insulin resistance, current hyperandrogenism or history of clinical androgen excess, history of infertility, central obesity and history of irregular menses. Traditional CVD risk factors, as well as indices of arterial structure (intima-media thickness, atheromatous plaques presence) and function [flow-mediated dilation, pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index] were compared between women with a PCOS phenotype and the rest of the sample, who served as controls.

RESULTS

Women with the PCOS phenotype (N=43) had higher SBP and triglycerides and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol than controls. Mean values of PWV differed significantly between PCOS cases and controls (9.46±1.74 vs. 8.60±1.51 m/s, P=0.001, univariate). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the PCOS phenotype, age and SBP were the only independent predictors of PWV.

CONCLUSION

Arterial stiffness is increased in asymptomatic, nondiabetic women with a putative PCOS phenotype, independently of age, BMI or blood pressure. This might present one mechanism through which PCOS increases the risk of CVD and hypertension later in life.

Effects of vitamin D3 derivative--calcitriol on pharmacological reactivity of aortic rings in a rodent PCOS model

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the hyperandrogenic state in dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the vascular responses to different vasoactive agents, and the modulatory role of vitamin D3.

METHODS

APCOS model was induced by DHT application in 20 female Wistar rats. Ten of the DHT treated rats simultaneously received calcitriol treatment. After 10 weeks, myographs were used to test the reactivity of isolated thoracic aortic rings to norepinephrine and acetylcholine. Thereafter, the vascular rings were incubated with the NO-synthase blocker (nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) or the cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin) for 20 min, and the effects of norepinephrine and acetylcholine were re-evaluated.

RESULTS

Norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction was enhanced after DHT treatment, but this effect was attenuated by calcitriol administration. Vasorelaxation of DHT-treated thoracic aortic rings was impaired, but this could be partly reversed by calcitriol application. Impaired NO-dependent vasorelaxation in DHT-treated animals was mostly reversed by concomitant calcitriol administration, but this effect was diminished by prostanoid-dependent vasoconstriction.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies show that the enhanced sensitivity to vasoconstrictors and impaired NO-dependent vasorelaxation in hyperandrogenic PCOS rats could be partially reversed by calcitriol treatment.

Endothelial dysfunction in hyperandrogenic polycystic ovary syndrome is not explained by either obesity or ectopic fat deposition

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is associated with IR (insulin resistance), increased visceral fat and NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) all of which may contribute to endothelial dysfunction, an early marker of CVD (cardiovascular disease) risk. Our objective was to examine the relationships between endothelial dysfunction in PCOS, the volume of AT (adipose tissue) compartments and the size of intracellular TAG (triacylglycerol) pools in liver and skeletal muscle. A total of 19 women with PCOS (means±S.D.; 26±6 years, 36±5 kg/m2) and 16 control women (31±8 years, 30±6 kg/m2) were recruited. Endothelial function was assessed in the brachial artery using FMD (flow-mediated dilation). VAT (visceral AT) and abdominal SAT (subcutaneous AT) volume were determined by whole body MRI, and liver and skeletal muscle TAG by 1H-MRS (proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy). Cardiorespiratory fitness and HOMA-IR (homoeostasis model assessment of IR) were also determined. Differences between groups were analysed using independent Student's t tests and ANCOVA (analysis of co-variance). FMD was impaired in PCOS by 4.6% [95% CI (confidence interval), 3.0-7.7; P<0.001], and this difference decreased only slightly to 4.2% (95% CI, 2.4-6.1; P<0.001) when FMD was adjusted for individual differences in visceral and SAT and HOMA-IR. This magnitude of impairment was also similar in lean and obese PCOS women. The results suggest that endothelial dysfunction in PCOS is not explained by body fat distribution or volume. FMD might be a useful independent prognostic tool to assess CVD risk in this population.

Endothelial function measured using flow-mediated dilation in polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of the observational studies

OBJECTIVE

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) demonstrate an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Previous researchers have compared flow-mediated dilation (FMD), an early marker of CVD, in women with and without PCOS. Evidence for a PCOS-mediated reduction in FMD remains equivocal, potentially because of study differences in cohort-matching and measurement approaches. The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to examine to what extent FMD is impaired in PCOS and to explore the influence of potential moderators of FMD reduction, such as age and BMI.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis of published observational studies comparing FMD in PCOS with control women.

PATIENTS

Twenty-one published studies were included (PCOS, n = 908; controls, n = 566). A subanalysis, using tighter inclusion criteria, involved seven studies (PCOS, n = 402; control, n = 251).

MEASUREMENTS

Mean differences in FMD between PCOS and controls were synthesized. The subanalysis was delimited to the inclusion of age and BMI-matched controls. These factors were then explored as moderators using meta-regression.

RESULTS

The pooled mean FMD was 3.4% (95% CI=1.9, 4.9) lower in PCOS compared with control women, with substantial heterogeneity between studies. In the subanalysis, the PCOS-mediated reduction in FMD was 4.1% (95% CI=2.7, 5.5). Heterogeneity remained substantial (I(2) =81%). Subsequent meta-regression indicated that the magnitude of FMD difference was not influenced by BMI (P = 0.17) nor age (P = 0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic research synthesis indicates that endothelial function is compromised in PCOS women, even if they are young and nonobese.

Pharmacological reactivity of resistance vessels in a rat PCOS model - vascular effects of parallel vitamin D₃ treatment

The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on pharmacological reactivity of a resistance vessel in a rat model and the possible modulatory role of 1,25-(OH)₂-cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃). The PCOS model was induced in adolescent female Wistar rats by a 10-week DHT treatment. Norepinephrine induced contractility and acetylcholine relaxation were tested in arterioles by pressure arteriography in control as well as DHT- and DHT plus vitamin D₃-treated (DHT+D3) animals. Decreased vasoconstriction and dilatation were detected after DHT treatment. Concomitant vitamin D₃ treatment increased the contractile response and resulted in more relaxed vessels. Endothelial dilation tested with acetylcholine was lower after DHT treatment, this effect was not depend on vitamin D₃ supplementation. In conclusion, hyperandrogenic state resulted in reduced endothelium- and smooth muscle-dependent vasorelaxation and constriction with a complete loss of nitric oxide (NO)-dependent relaxation compared with controls. These alterations caused by chronic DHT treatment were partially reversed by concomitant vitamin D₃ administration.

Recent advances in cardiovascular aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk (CVR) markers, but population studies have not clarified whether there is an increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Four different PCOS phenotypes resulted from the Rotterdam criteria that may differ in their CVR potential, thus introducing further complexity. This has led to studies using surrogate CVR markers including biomarkers in blood and imaging such as flow-mediated vasodilatation. In PCOS, both peripheral and central insulin resistance (IR) have been shown. Weight loss has been shown to improve IR and visceral fat, while insulin sensitizer therapies with metformin or thiazolidinediones improve IR and endothelial dysfunction. IR is also found in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that in turn is very common in PCOS; studies have suggested that IR may be improved by treatment with metformin and omega-3 fish oils. PCOS patients have a more dyslipidemic phenotype that is worse in 'classical PCOS' associated with a higher CVR. Studies with atorvastatin and simvastatin have reported a decrease in the lipid parameters and an improvement in CVR indices including IR, but it is unclear whether this is due to their lipid-lowering action or a pleiotropic effect of the statin. In this expert opinion review, the relevant literature published during the last 2 years was considered. It focuses on some recent important data that has emerged while also exposing the gaps that remain in our knowledge that need to be addressed.

Ultrasonographic and laboratory markers of metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the presence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) alters multiple ultrasonographic and laboratory markers of metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk in obese women without any other health condition that could interfere with combined oral contraceptive (COC) eligibility criteria.

METHODS

This was a case-control study evaluating 90 obese women (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30.0 kg/m(2) and < 40 kg/m(2)) aged between 18 and 40 years without any other health condition that could interfere with COC eligibility criteria, of whom 45 had PCOS and 45 were age-matched controls. BMI, waist and hip circumference, arterial blood pressure, fasting insulin and glucose, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, free androgen index (FAI), carotid stiffness index, intima media thickness, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were assessed.

RESULTS

In women with PCOS, we observed a higher frequency of NAFLD (73.3 vs. 46.7%, P < 0.01) and higher FAI (10.4 vs. 6.8%, P < 0.01). We also observed a trend towards increased insulin levels (10.06 ± 6.66 vs. 7.45 ± 5.88 µIU/mL, P = 0.05), decreased QUICKI (0.36 ± 0.06 vs. 0.39 ± 0.07, P = 0.05) and decreased FMD (7.00 ± 3.87 vs. 8.41 ± 3.79%, P = 0.08). No other significant difference was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

NAFLD is frequent in obese women without any other health condition that could interfere with COC eligibility criteria, especially in those with PCOS. This should be considered when choosing the best contraceptive option.

Cardiovascular Risk in Women With PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a common endocrine disorder defined by two of the three following features: i) oligoovulation or anovulation, ii) clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, or iii) polycystic ovaries, once the related endocrinological and gynaecological disorders have been excluded. PCOS does not exclusively involve the reproductive apparatus , it has a complex number of systemic relevancy symptoms. It leads to Metabolic Syndrome, with severe consequences on the cardiovascular apparatus. Many clinical studies have underlined the connection between PCOS and the cardiovascular risk profile of such female patients, due to a lipid/glucose altered metabolism, hypertension, systemic inflammatory condition (assessable by markers such as VES, TNF-alfa, citokines and C-reactive protein (hsPCR) levels), and vascular injuries. Considering the early onset of the disease, PCOS could be considered as a real cardiovascular risk factor which affects the quality of life seriously. The current review aimed to point out the main connections between PCOS and cardiovascular risk factors according to the latest findings coming from literature data analysis, and try to depict the great influences that such a common disease can have on the patients' health integrity.

The impact of testosterone administration to female-to-male transsexuals on insulin resistance and lipid parameters compared with women with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of testosterone (T) administration to female-to-male transsexuals (FtMs) on insulin resistance and lipid parameters and to compare the effects with women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

DESIGN

Cohort analysis.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Twenty-nine FtMs and 240 women with PCOS.

INTERVENTION(S)

Screening panel, ultrasound of the ovaries, hormone, lipid, and glucose and insulin measurements.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Endocrine, metabolic parameters, and insulin resistance.

RESULT(S)

The PCOS women had significantly higher fasting, 1-h, and 2-h insulin levels and a significantly lower insulin sensitivity index compared with FtMs before and after their T treatment. There were higher triglyceride levels and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels upon T treatment in FtMs compared with the PCOS women. Women with PCOS had higher body mass index (BMI) values. Positive correlations between insulin resistance indices and BMI were found only in women with PCOS.

CONCLUSION(S)

Testosterone administration by itself showed little detrimental influence on insulin resistance indices, but it had significant effects on lipid profiles. Compared with T, BMI had a greater impact on insulin resistance in women with PCOS.

Impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in reproductive-aged women associated with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and the metabolic syndrome. METHODS A literature search was conducted (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, clinical trial registries and hand-searching) identifying studies reporting prevalence or incidence of IGT, DM2 or metabolic syndrome in women with and without PCOS. Data were presented as odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] with fixed- and random-effects meta-analysis by Mantel-Haenszel methods. Quality testing was based on Newcastle-Ottawa Scaling and The Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias assessment tool. Literature searching, data abstraction and quality appraisal were performed by two investigators. RESULTS A total of 2192 studies were reviewed and 35 were selected for final analysis. Women with PCOS had increased prevalence of IGT (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.63, 3.77; BMI-matched studies OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.44, 4.47), DM2 (OR 4.43, 95% CI 4.06, 4.82; BMI-matched studies OR 4.00, 95% CI 1.97, 8.10) and metabolic syndrome (OR 2.88, 95% CI 2.40, 3.45; BMI-matched studies OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.36, 3.56). One study assessed IGT/DM2 incidence and reported no significant differences in DM2 incidence (OR 2.07, 95% CI 0.68, 6.30). One study assessed conversion from normal glucose tolerance to IGT/DM2 (OR 2.4, 95% CI 0.7, 8.0). No studies reported metabolic syndrome incidence. CONCLUSIONS Women with PCOS had an elevated prevalence of IGT, DM2 and metabolic syndrome in both BMI and non-BMI-matched studies. Few studies have determined IGT/DM2 or metabolic syndrome incidence in women with and without PCOS and further research is required.