Quantitative Changes in White Blood Cells: Correlation with the Hallmarks of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Correlation between chronic low-grade inflammation and glucose and lipid metabolism indicators in polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between inflammatory indicators and blood lipids and to further provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of clinical polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

Whole-blood cell counts and hormone and blood lipid levels were measured in 110 patients with PCOS and 126 healthy women. The differences in the above levels and the correlation between inflammation and blood lipid levels in the two groups were determined, and classified according to BMI. Differences in inflammatory indices were also analyzed. The independent risk factors for PCOS were analyzed by binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

The PCOS group had greater BMI and greater body weight than the control group. The inflammatory indicators WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte counts and the NLR were significantly higher than those of the control group. It had higher testosterone (TSTO), triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels. Correlation analysis showed that leukocyte and neutrophil counts were positively correlated with TSTO and TG levels and negatively correlated with HDL. In the BMI ≥ 24 and BMI < 24 groups, WBC was higher in PCOS patients than in healthy controls. Logistic regression showed that TSTO, TG and FSH were independent risk factors for PCOS.

CONCLUSION

Inflammatory markers are correlated with blood lipids in PCOS. During the treatment of PCOS, blood lipids and serum inflammatory factors should be monitored.

Beneficial Effects of a Novel Fenugreek Seed Extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum, Furocyst®) in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Follow-up Compliance Clinical Investigation

INTRODUCTION

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder which accounts for infertility around the world. The disease is characterized by elevated secretion of androgens in the women which results in enlargement of ovaries with accumulation of fluid filled cysts, irregular menstrual cycles, and hirsutism. This study reports the efficacy of a patented, standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract (Furocyst®) as an effective phytotherapeutic for effective management of PCOS.

OBJECTIVE

This randomized one-arm study assessed the efficacy of Furocyst® in 107 female volunteers over a period of 12 consecutive weeks.

METHOD

Following approvals of the Institutional Ethical Committee and clinicaltrials.gov, 107 female volunteers (age: 18-45 years) were recruited. Subjects consumed Furocyst® capsules (1,000 mg/day p.o.) over a period of 12 consecutive weeks. Physical (Sonographic scan, Hirsutism Score, Menstrual cycle, Body Weight, BMI, Height, Waist Circumference and Blood Pressure) and biochemical parameters (LH/FSH ratio, TSH, Prolactin, Fasting insulin, Fasting Glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, HOMA Index, free and total testosterone, 2-hour GTT, DHEAS) were assessed at the beginning of the study as well as at intervals of 4 weeks till 12 weeks to determine the efficacy of Furocyst® on PCOS induced damage on reproductive and endocrine system.

RESULTS

Furocyst® treatment induced >40% reduction of mean cyst sizes in both ovaries with corresponding reduction of in ovarian volumes. LH:FSH ratio was also significantly improved with corresponding reduction in total testosterone and prolactin levels. As a result of improvement in endocrine function, menstrual cycle became regular in the subjects. Furocyst® also reduced the severity of other associated ailments such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and improved liver function significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reinstated the efficacy of Furocyst® as a safe phytotherapeutic to reverse the effects of PCOS inflicted damage on the female reproductive system without any adverse events.

Systematic analysis between inflammation-related index and sex hormones in American adults: cross-sectional research based NHANES 2013-2016

Background

A series of novel inflammation-related indexes has been confirmed to be efficient indicators of human immune and inflammatory status, with great potential as predictors for a variety of diseases. However, the association between inflammation-related indexes and sex hormones in the general population remained uncertain.

Methods

We incorporated data from the NHANES 2013-2016 survey of American adults. On the basis of distribution and comparison analysis, we chose to undertake separate analyses of men and women (including premenopausal and postmenopausal groups). Multivariable weighted linear regression models, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models, generalized linear analysis, stratified models, logistic regression models and sensitivity analysis were utilized to assess the relationships between inflammation-related indexes and sex hormones.

Results

Total 9372 participants out of 20146 were fitted into our research. We conducted separate gender analysis due to different distribution. Multivariable weighted linear regression indicated every component of the inflammation-related index was negatively correlated with at least one component of the male hormone indexes. However, SII, NLR, PPN, and NC were associated positively with female estradiol. XGBoost identify SII, PLR and NLR were the critical indexes on sex hormones. Inflammation-related indexes was associated with Testosterone deficiency in male and postmenstrual group and associated with Excessive Estradiol in premenstrual group. Finally, the subgroup analysis revealed that the association between sex hormones and inflammatory indicators was prominent in American adults over the age of 60 or those with BMI (>28 kg/m²).

Conclusion

In all, inflammation-related indexes act as independent risks associated with sex hormone alterations and metabolic disorder in both genders. Using multiple models, we revealed the relative importance of inflammation-related indexes. Subgroup analysis also identified the high-risk population. More prospective and experimental research should be conducted to validate the results.

The Implication of Mechanistic Approaches and the Role of the Microbiome in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Review

As a complex endocrine and metabolic condition, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects women's reproductive health. These common symptoms include hirsutism, hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, irregular menstruation, and infertility. No one knows what causes it or how to stop it yet. Alterations in gut microbiota composition and disruptions in secondary bile acid production appear to play a causative role in developing PCOS. PCOS pathophysiology and phenotypes are tightly related to both enteric and vaginal bacteria. Patients with PCOS exhibit changed microbiome compositions and decreased microbial diversity. Intestinal microorganisms also alter PCOS patient phenotypes by upregulating or downregulating hormone release, gut-brain mediators, and metabolite synthesis. The human body's gut microbiota, also known as the "second genome," can interact with the environment to improve metabolic and immunological function. Inflammation is connected to PCOS and may be caused by dysbiosis in the gut microbiome. This review sheds light on the recently discovered connections between gut microbiota and insulin resistance (IR) and the potential mechanisms of PCOS. This study also describes metabolomic studies to obtain a clear view of PCOS and ways to tackle it.

Association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and polycystic ovary syndrome: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been suggested to be a potential biomarker for assessing the systemic inflammatory response in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This meta-analysis is aimed at evaluating whether PCOS patients present with a higher NLR and whether obesity, metabolic, and hormonal indices have effects on the states.

METHODS

We performed a literature search on PubMed, Embase and Web of Science (last update: August 2, 2022). Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by applying random-effects models. Meta-regression analyses were used to explore the sources of heterogeneity and assess the relationship between NLR and several clinical parameters. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also assessed.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies involving 826 PCOS patients and 780 healthy controls were eligible for the present meta-analysis. Generally, NLR significantly increased in PCOS women versus healthy women (SMD = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.30-1.33, P = .002). NLR disparity was subsequently investigated in obese and non-obese cohorts. Obese PCOS women exhibited a higher NLR than obese controls (SMD = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.24-0.87, P = .001), and a similar difference was shown between non-obese PCOS and non-obese controls (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.02-0.71, P = .038). No significant NLR disparity was observed between obese versus non-obese PCOS women (SMD = 0.50, 95% CI = -0.37 to 1.38, P = .259). Meta-regression analysis revealed that NLR was significantly positively associated with fasting blood glucose (P = .006) and total cholesterol levels (P = .021), but not correlated with body mass index and other parameters in PCOS patients. Sensitivity analysis indicated that no individual study significantly affected the overall pooled result, and no publishing bias was observed.

CONCLUSION

PCOS women typically present with an increased NLR. Such an increase is independent of obesity and may be associated with glycolipid metabolic disorders.