Evidence-based guideline: unexplained infertility†

STUDY QUESTION

What is the recommended management for couples presenting with unexplained infertility (UI), based on the best available evidence in the literature?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The evidence-based guideline on UI makes 52 recommendations on the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of UI.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

UI is diagnosed in the absence of any abnormalities of the female and male reproductive systems after 'standard' investigations. However, a consensual standardization of the diagnostic work-up is still lacking. The management of UI is traditionally empirical. The efficacy, safety, costs, and risks of treatment options have not been subjected to robust evaluation.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

The guideline was developed according to the structured methodology for ESHRE guidelines. Following formulation of key questions by a group of experts, literature searches, and assessments were undertaken. Papers written in English and published up to 24 October 2022 were evaluated.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Based on the available evidence, recommendations were formulated and discussed until consensus was reached within the guideline development group (GDG). Following stakeholder review of an initial draft, the final version was approved by the GDG and the ESHRE Executive Committee.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

This guideline aims to help clinicians provide the best care for couples with UI. As UI is a diagnosis of exclusion, the guideline outlined the basic diagnostic procedures that couples should/could undergo during an infertility work-up, and explored the need for additional tests. The first-line treatment for couples with UI was deemed to be IUI in combination with ovarian stimulation. The place of additional and alternative options for treatment of UI was also evaluated. The GDG made 52 recommendations on diagnosis and treatment for couples with UI. The GDG formulated 40 evidence-based recommendations-of which 29 were formulated as strong recommendations and 11 as weak-10 good practice points and two research only recommendations. Of the evidence-based recommendations, none were supported by high-quality evidence, one by moderate-quality evidence, nine by low-quality evidence, and 31 by very low-quality evidence. To support future research in UI, a list of research recommendations was provided.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Most additional diagnostic tests and interventions in couples with UI have not been subjected to robust evaluation. For a large proportion of these tests and treatments, evidence was very limited and of very low quality. More evidence is required, and the results of future studies may result in the current recommendations being revised.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The guideline provides clinicians with clear advice on best practice in the care of couples with UI, based on the best evidence currently available. In addition, a list of research recommendations is provided to stimulate further studies in the field. The full guideline and a patient leaflet are available in www.eshre.eu/guideline/UI.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

The guideline was developed by ESHRE, who funded the guideline meetings, literature searches, and dissemination of the guideline in collaboration with the Monash University led Australian NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Women's Health in Reproductive Life (CREWHIRL). The guideline group members did not receive any financial incentives; all work was provided voluntarily. D.R. reports honoraria from IBSA and Novo Nordisk. B.A. reports speakers' fees from Merck, Gedeon Richter, Organon and Intas Pharma; is part of the advisory board for Organon Turkey and president of the Turkish Society of Reproductive Medicine. S.B. reports speakers' fees from Merck, Organon, Ferring, the Ostetric and Gynaecological Society of Singapore and the Taiwanese Society for Reproductive Medicine; editor and contributing author, Reproductive Medicine for the MRCOG, Cambridge University Press; is part of the METAFOR and CAPE trials data monitoring committee. E.B. reports research grants from Roche diagnostics, Gedeon Richter and IBSA; speaker's fees from Merck, Ferring, MSD, Roche Diagnostics, Gedeon Richter, IBSA; E.B. is also a part of an Advisory Board of Ferring Pharmaceuticals, MSD, Roche Diagnostics, IBSA, Merck, Abbott and Gedeon Richter. M.M. reports consulting fees from Mojo Fertility Ltd. R.J.N. reports research grant from Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC); consulting fees from Flinders Fertility Adelaide, VinMec Hospital Hanoi Vietnam; speaker's fees from Merck Australia, Cadilla Pharma India, Ferring Australia; chair clinical advisory committee Westmead Fertility and research institute MyDuc Hospital Vietnam. T.P. is a part of the Research Council of Finland and reports research grants from Roche Diagnostics, Novo Nordics and Sigrid Juselius foundation; consulting fees from Roche Diagnostics and organon; speaker's fees from Gedeon Richter, Roche, Exeltis, Organon, Ferring and Korento patient organization; is a part of NFOG, AE-PCOS society and several Finnish associations. S.S.R. reports research grants from Roche Diagnostics, Organon, Theramex; consulting fees from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, MSD and Organon; speaker's fees from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, MSD/Organon, Besins, Theramex, Gedeon Richter; travel support from Gedeon Richter; S.S.R. is part of the Data Safety Monitoring Board of TTRANSPORT and deputy of the ESHRE Special Interest Group on Safety and Quality in ART; stock or stock options from IVI Lisboa, Clínica de Reprodução assistida Lda; equipment/medical writing/gifts from Roche Diagnostics and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. S.K.S. reports speakers' fees from Merck, Ferring, MSD, Pharmasure. HRV reports consulting and travel fees from Ferring Pharmaceuticals. The other authors have nothing to disclose.

DISCLAIMER

This guideline represents the views of ESHRE, which were achieved after careful consideration of the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation. In the absence of scientific evidence on certain aspects, a consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders has been obtained. Adherence to these clinical practice guidelines does not guarantee a successful or specific outcome, nor does it establish a standard of care. Clinical practice guidelines do not replace the need for application of clinical judgment to each individual presentation, nor variations based on locality and facility type. ESHRE makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the clinical practice guidelines and specifically excludes any warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use or purpose. (Full disclaimer available at www.eshre.eu/guidelines.).

The resting metabolic rate in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and its relation to the hormonal milieu, insulin metabolism, and body fat distribution: a cohort study

PURPOSE

To evaluate possible alterations of a major determinant of energy expenditure, the resting metabolic rate (RMR), in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with age-BMI similar controls. To assess whether the hormonal milieu, the body fat distribution and the insulin metabolism may affect energy consumption in these patients.

METHODS

This is a monocentric observational prospective cohort study, including 109 Caucasian PCOS subjects and 31 healthy control women. (Median age PCOS 26.0 ± 9.2 years, controls 25.5 ± 8.5 years; median BMI-body mass index PCOS 26.4 ± 9.4 kg/m², controls 27.2 ± 12.8 kg/m²). RMR was evaluated by the SenseWear Armband (SWA), a reliable and validated metabolic holter, never previously used in the PCOS population to this purpose. Hormonal assessment, insulin metabolism evaluated by HOMA-IR and OGTT, anthropometric features (BMI and WHR) were also assessed.

RESULTS

Median RMR resulted similar in PCOS and control women: 1520.0 ± 248.00 kcal/day vs 1464.0 ± 332.70 kcal/day (p = 0.472), even after adjusting for BMI, fat distribution, insulin metabolism parameters. RMR resulted significantly correlated with BMI, WHR, estradiol levels, SHBG, total cholesterol, triglycerides, basal glycaemia, basal insulinemia, AUC insulin 240', and HOMA. In the subgroup of patients with WHR > 0.85, PCOS women showed a significantly lower RMR compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher prevalence of obesity, which negatively influences the reproductive and general health of PCOS women, could be related to factors other than an intrinsic alteration of the RMR. Further studies are needed to clarify the possible role of the visceral fat in modulating the energy balance in PCOS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT03132545.

Clinical efficacy and metabolic impact of two different dosages of ethinyl-estradiol in association with drospirenone in normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized study

BACKGROUND

The estrogenic component of estro- progestin (EP) is responsible for a negative impact on the metabolic and lipid assessment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

AIM

To evaluate the risk/benefit ratio of two EP combinations, containing the same progestin (3 mg drospirenone) and a different dose of ethinyl-estradiol (EE) (20 vs 30 μg) and to compare their effects on the clinical and endocrine-metabolic parameters in normal-weight PCOS women.

MATERIAL/SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In this randomized pilot study, we enrolled 30 young normal-weight PCOS women. Fifteen subjects were allocated to group A (20 μg EE) and 15 PCOS subjects to group B (30 μg EE). Hirsutism score, hormonal assays, oral glucose tolerance test, euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp and lipid profile were performed at baseline, and after 6 and 12 months of therapy. Main outcome measures were signs of hyperandrogenism, glucose and insulin metabolism, lipid profile.

RESULTS

Both treatment regimens induced a significant improvement in hirsutism score, testosterone, DHEAS, and SHBG levels. Androstenedione significantly dropped only in patients of Group A, while 17(OH)P only in those from Group B. Both the formulations did not significantly modify gluco-insulinemic metabolism. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol levels significantly increased in both groups. Triglycerides levels, which increased as well, resulted more markedly influenced by the formulation with 30 μg EE.

CONCLUSIONS

In association with drospirenone, 20 μg EE results as effective as 30 μg in improving clinical and hormonal features of normal-weight PCOS women, while exhibiting a milder influence on lipidic parameters.

Is there a dose-response relationship of metformin treatment in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome? Results from a multicentric study

STUDY QUESTION

Do different dosages of metformin account for different clinical and biochemical outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and do basal anthropometric and metabolic characteristics of the patients provide any indications regarding the dose required to reach the target effect?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Different doses of metformin exerted the same effects on clinical, biochemical and metabolic parameters in patients affected by PCOS.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Since the insulin-sensitizing agents came into use in the management of PCOS, metformin has shown a positive benefits-risks ratio. Nonetheless, therapeutic schedules are not well standardized. This is the first study which systematically analyses the effect of different doses of metformin on clinical, hormonal and metabolic features of PCOS. On the basis of our results, higher doses are no more effective than lower doses.

DESIGN

A multicentric cohort prospective study. A total of 250 PCOS women were enrolled, 49 lost to follow-up. Menstrual cyclicity, hormonal assays, oral glucose tolerance test, lipid profile and ultrasonographic pelvic examination were evaluated at the baseline and after 6 months of metformin treatment at different doses (1000, 1500 and 1700 mg).

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

A total of 201 PCOS patients completed the study without protocol violations in three university hospitals: seventy-three patients from Centre A (treated with metformin 500 mg twice a day), 60 patients from Centre B (treated with metformin 500 mg three times a day) and 68 patients from Centre C (treated with metformin 850 mg twice a day).

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Metformin exerted an overall positive effect on the clinical and endocrine-metabolic features of PCOS. The degree of these effects was independent of the administered dosage in every range of basal body mass index (BMI). When patients were stratified according to their insulinaemic status, scattered inter-doses differences were found in some of the outcome measures. Patients who exhibited an increase of >2 menstrual cycles/year were considered as responders to treatment. Responders had a higher basal BMI than non-responders and showed a greater reduction in plasma testosterone levels after metformin treatment, but other outcome measures did not differ significantly. Total insulin secretion in the 180 min following the glucose tolerance test before metformin treatment (basal AUC-I) was significantly correlated with the decrease in insulin secretion induced by metformin in both the whole group and in responders, but only correlated with the variation in the number of cycles in responders.

BIAS, CONFOUNDING AND OTHER REASONS FOR CAUTION

The different doses were administered in different centres, and between-centre variation is a potential confounding factor.

GENERALIZABILITY TO OTHER POPULATIONS

The paradigm of using the minimum effective dose of metformin could be pursued in other pathological conditions characterized by insulin resistance.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No funding or competing interests to declare.

The metabolic status modulates the effect of metformin on the antimullerian hormone-androgens-insulin interplay in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

CONTEXT

In the adult ovary, antimullerian hormone (AMH) is produced by the granulosa cells of preantral and small antral follicles and negatively regulates folliculogenesis. AMH is overproduced in the polycystic ovary and was recently proposed to play a role in the ovulatory dysfunction of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of metformin administration on AMH levels in relation with the clinical and endocrine-metabolic parameters in obese women with PCOS.

DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a pilot prospective study in an academic research environment.

PATIENTS

We studied 28 obese PCOS women.

INTERVENTIONS

We performed ultrasonographic pelvic exams, hirsutism score evaluation, hormonal profile assays, oral glucose tolerance test, euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, and lipid profile at baseline and after 6 months of metformin treatment (850 mg twice a day orally).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We measured AMH, hormonal assays, ultrasound aspect of the ovaries, and indexes of glucose and insulin metabolism.

RESULTS

Insulin secretion and body mass index significantly decreased after treatment. Almost 70% of subjects experienced an amelioration of menstrual irregularities. Mean androstenedione, testosterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels and hirsutism score were significantly improved by metformin. However, no significant changes in AMH levels occurred. Data were further analyzed after dividing patients on the basis of pretreatment insulinemic response to the oral glucose tolerance test; metformin was effective in reducing insulin secretion, AMH levels, and, interestingly, ovarian volume exclusively in PCOS patients with hyperinsulinism; none of these changes occurred in the normoinsulinemic group.

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin differentially affects the interplay between insulin and the ovarian function in obese PCOS women; the presence of hyperinsulinemia seems to be predictive of the efficacy of the treatment.

Effects of ghrelin administration on endocrine and metabolic parameters in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

INTRODUCTION

The novel peptide ghrelin displays multiple endocrine and non-endocrine actions. Its strong GH-releasing activity in humans has long been recognized. However, in obesity, ghrelin administration induces a blunted GH secretion, enhances glucose and reduces insulin levels. The effects of ghrelin administration have not been investigated in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can be associated with obesity, hyperinsulinism, and GH hyposecretion. Leptin is a mediator for energy balance opposed to ghrelin; both of them are supposed to act as regulators of reproductive functions.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Evaluate the endocrine and metabolic response to ghrelin administration in PCOS obese patients compared to body mass index (BMI)-matched and normal weight women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine obese PCOS patients (BMI: 35.4+/-1.2 kg/m(2)) (OB PCOS), 6 obese controls (BMI: 38.4+/-1.1 kg/m(2)) (Ob), and 6 normal-weight women (BMI: 23+/-0.6 kg/m(2)) (NW) were enrolled in the study. In all patients we performed: 1) basal hormonal evaluation including FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione, DHEAS, SHBG, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), IGF-I, free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4) and ghrelin levels; 2) metabolic evaluation as follows: concentration of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (75 g); homeostasis model assessment (HOMA); glucose and insulin response to ghrelin administration (1 microg/kg); 3) measurement of GH, PRL, TSH, and leptin levels after infusion of ghrelin.

RESULTS

Administration of ghrelin increased glucose and reduced insulin levels in both Ob and OB PCOS. Moreover, ghrelin enhanced GH and PRL levels in all groups but it did not modify TSH and leptin levels. GH peak and area under the curve (AUC) in OB PCOS and Ob were lower than controls (p<0.05). Similar PRL peak and AUC values were observed in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In both obese and PCOS obese patients, leptin levels are not influenced by ghrelin administration. Moreover, the GH response after ghrelin administration is blunted. However, ghrelin exerts glucose- enhancing and insulin-lowering effects, the latter absent in NW.

Role of opioid antagonists in the treatment of women with glucoregulation abnormalities

Beta-endorphin were detected in the endocrine pancreas and seem able to influence insulin and glucagon release. Hence, endogenous opioids could have a role in glucoregulation and in the pathogenesis of obesity beyond the previously detected effects on appetite. Metabolic abnormalities, such as hyperinsulinemia, insulin-resistance and obesity, are common features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and seem to have a pathogenetic role in this disorder. A link between opioids and PCOS-related hyperinsulinism is suggested by the finding of altered central opioid tone and elevated beta-endorphins levels, directly correlated with body weight, in these patients. Furthermore, naloxone and naltrexone significantly reduce the insulin response to glucose load only in hyperinsulinemic PCOS patients. This effect is obtained chiefly through an improvement of insulin clearance. Naltrexone is also able to ameliorate the abnormal gonadotrophins secretion and to improve the ovarian responsiveness in obese PCOS women undergoing ovulation induction with exogenous GnRH. Such effects are believed to be obtained through an amelioration of hyperinsulinemia. Gonadal steroids modulate the opioid system both centrally and in peripheral districts. Nevertheless, the decline of ovarian function does not abolish the opioidergic control of glucoregulation. Post-menopausal period is characterised by a high prevalence of hyperinsulinemia and insulin-resistance. In particular, an association between hyperinsulinemia and increased opioid activity was found in postmenopausal women showing a central body fat distribution. Both naloxone and naltrexone ameliorate the metabolic imbalance also when it appears in the climacteric period, and mainly by increasing insulin clearance. The benefits of naltrexone may represent in the future a useful tool for the treatment of women with hyperinsulinism in the clinical practice.

Is the PCOS diagnosis solved by ESHRE/ASRM 2003 consensus or could it include ultrasound examination of the ovarian stroma?

BACKGROUND

The clinical heterogeneity of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is mirrored by the unceasing debate on the most appropriate diagnostic criteria.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To highlight differences and inconsistencies between NIH and ESHRE/ASRM criteria, we applied them to 375 patients with oligo/amenorrhoea and signs of hyperandrogenism. Among them, we identified 273 women with PCOS according to NIH, whereas up to 345 patients fulfilled ESHRE/ASRM criteria. The 72 patients, constituting the gap between the two classifications, exhibited a lower expression of clinical signs compared with the 273 patients matching both criteria. To the whole group, we then applied the ESHRE/ASRM criteria modified to include an easily reproducible ultrasound examination of the ovarian stroma (UCSC criteria). In this way, we identified 30 women who were healthy according to all criteria, 37 affected by PCOS according only to the ESHRE/ASRM Consensus, 35 affected according only to the UCSC and ESHRE/ASRM criteria and 273 who were considered to have PCOS by all criteria. These groups showed a progressively increasing expression of PCOS features.

CONCLUSION

In the grey area between NIH and ESHRE/ASRM classifications, UCSC criteria could identify a subgroup of women, missed by NIH criteria, with more pronounced stigmas than those identified by ESHRE/ASRM criteria alone, and who may profit more from a targeted therapy.

Drospirenone for the treatment of hirsute women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a clinical, endocrinological, metabolic pilot study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the new estro-progestinic containing the antimineralcorticoid progestogen drospirenone (DRSP) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Fifteen hirsute PCOS patients were treated with 30 microg ethinyl estradiol plus 3 mg DRSP for 12 cycles. Ultrasonographic pelvic exams, evaluation of hirsutism scores, and hormonal and lipid profile assays were performed at baseline and after three, six, and 12 cycles of treatment. An oral glucose tolerance test and euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp were also performed, except at the third cycle. The treatment was well tolerated, and all women attained satisfactory cycle control. Hirsutism significantly improved from the sixth cycle onward. Body weight and fat distribution as well as blood pressure remained stable throughout the treatment. Plasma levels of LH, testosterone, SHBG, and, consequently, the free androgen index significantly fell from the third cycle on. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and 17-hydroxyprogesterone significantly decreased after six cycles. The treatment did not affect glycoinsulinemic homeostasis. A trend toward an increase was seen for total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL) plasma concentrations, although all parameters remained within the normal range. No modifications in total cholesterol/HDL and HDL/LDL ratios were induced by the therapy. The ethinyl estradiol/DRSP combination seems to be effective in ameliorating clinical and hormonal features of PCOS.

Effect of pioglitazone treatment on the adrenal androgen response to corticotrophin in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

To investigate the effect of pioglitazone on adrenal steroidogenesis in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), we studied 11 obese (two with BMI >25 kg/m(2); nine with BMI >27 kg/m(2)) PCOS women before and after 6 months of treatment at a dose of 45 mg/day.

METHODS

During the early follicular phase, ultrasonography and hormonal assays were performed. On separate days, all women underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), a euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp and an adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH) test. The same protocol was repeated after therapy.

RESULTS

Pioglitazone treatment significantly reduced the insulin response to OGTT and improved the insulin sensitivity indices (P < 0.01 and P = 0.03 respectively). A significant decrease was found in LH (P < 0.05) and androstenedione (P < 0.01) levels after therapy, whereas the other hormonal parameters improved but not significantly. Pioglitazone administration reduced the response of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) and androstenedione to ACTH (P < 0.01 and P < 0.02 respectively), most likely through an inhibition of cytochrome P450. The same treatment was able to rebalance the relative activity of 17,20-lyase, as documented by an increase in the androstenedione:17OHP ratio (P < 0.05) after ACTH stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data support the contention that insulin enhances ACTH-stimulated steroidogenesis, while inducing a relative impairment of 17,20-lyase activity. Whether the beneficial effects of pioglitazone on this imbalance could be related to the ameliorated glyco-insulinaemic metabolism or to a direct effect on the adrenal glands remains to be determined.

Longitudinal metabolic observation of metformin effects during pregnancy in hyperinsulinemic women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a case report

Obese hyperinsulinemic women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) present a markedly increased risk of developing glycaemic alterations during pregnancy, commonly recognized as a "diabetogenic" condition. This risk seems to be safely reduced by the administration of metformin during gestation. We analyzed the metabolic changes in two hyperinsulinemic PCOS women, who became pregnant after 8 weeks of metformin therapy and continued taking the drug till delivery. An oral glucose tolerance test and an euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp were performed at baseline and, during metformin therapy, in pre-conceptional state and at each trimester of gestation. A pronounced decrease in peripheral insulin sensitivity occurred as the pregnancies proceeded (at the third trimester 51.7% and 41.1% of pregestational values in patient 1 and 2 respectively), along with an increase in stimulated insulin secretion (at the third trimester 120% and 50.6% of pregestational values in patient 1 and 2 respectively). Despite these findings, none of the studied subjects developed gestational diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. This confirms that metformin may exert a protective role against such disturbances in hyperinsulinemic PCOS patients, probably by avoiding the gestational physiologic changes leading to a loss of the metabolic balance achieved by these subjects out of pregnancy.

Selective effects of pioglitazone on insulin and androgen abnormalities in normo- and hyperinsulinaemic obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of pioglitazone (45 mg/day) on clinical and endocrine-metabolic features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), we studied 18 obese PCOS patients, classified as normoinsulinaemic (N-PCOS, n = 6) and hyperinsulinaemic (H-PCOS, n = 12) according to their insulin secretion.

METHODS

Evaluation of clinical signs, hormonal and lipid profile assays, oral glucose tolerance tests and euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamps were performed at baseline and after 2 (visit 2), 4 (visit 3) and 6 (visit 4) months of treatment.

RESULTS

Body weight, body fat distribution and blood pressure remained stable throughout the treatment; hirsutism and acne significantly improved (P < 0.001 for visits 3 and 4 versus baseline) in both groups. A restoration of menstrual cyclicity was observed at visit 4 in 83% (P < 0.001) of H-PCOS and in 33% of N-PCOS. A decrease in LH, LH/FSH ratio, androstenedione and 17-hydroxy-progesterone was observed in both groups, attaining statistical significance in H-PCOS. A significant amelioration of insulin secretion, sensitivity and clearance was obtained in H-PCOS. A trend towards improvement was observed in lipid assessment of both groups. Therapy was well-tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Present data suggest that there is a selective effect, partially independent of insulin secretion, of pioglitazone on the clinical and hormonal disturbances of PCOS.

Metabolic and endocrine consequences of acute suppression of FFAs by acipimox in polycystic ovary syndrome

To evaluate the effects of acute lowering of FFAs on glucose-induced insulin secretion and GH response to GHRH in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 27 PCOS subjects (11 lean and 16 obese) and 17 body mass index-matched controls (8 lean and 9 obese) were investigated. Patients underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and a GHRH test before and after administration of the antilipolytic drug acipimox (250 mg orally 3 h and 1 h before the starting of the tests). Blood samples were collected for 2 h after GHRH bolus and for 4 h after the oral glucose tolerance test. Serum concentrations of GH, insulin, glucose, and c-peptide were assayed in each sample, and the results were expressed as area under the curve (AUC). No significant differences were found as to glucose, insulin, and c-peptide AUC before and after acute FFA plasma reduction in any of the investigated groups. Basally, lower GH-AUC was found in lean PCOS compared with body mass index-matched controls and in obese vs. lean controls; no significant differences were found as to the same variable between the two obese groups. The acipimox induced FFA suppression elicited in the four groups a sustained increase in the GH response to its trophic hormone; indeed, the GH-AUC nearly doubled with respect to basal evaluation in all the studied groups. However, the antilipolytic drug was not able to abolish the differences found between lean groups in basal conditions. In conclusion, the presented data confirm that FFAs have a main role in regulating GH secretion at the pituitary level; however, it does not seem that they could explain the GH as well as insulin dysfunction of PCOS.