Association of vascular and inflammatory markers with metabolic disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

The prevalence of metabolic disorders, obesity and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome are present starting early in life, and places this group in the risk of cardiovascular disease. Hyperhomocysteinemia and increased CRP activity have an effect on promoting atherosclerosis. This study was designed to evaluate whether hs-CRP and Hcy are elevated in PCOS and to elucidate their possible relation with obesity, insulin resistance, or metabolic changes usually present in women suffering from PCOS. Serum concentration of hs-CRP and plasma levels of Hcy were evaluated in 73 PCOS women and 43 healthy women, together with clinical, anthropometric and hormonal parameters. The mean of BMI, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio and mean concentration of luteinizing hormone, testosterone, androstenedione, free androgen index, fasting insulin, HOMAIR, hs-CRP and Hcy are significantly higher in PCOS women compared to age-matched healthy women. There was a positive correlation between hs-CRP and BMI, WC, insulin, triglycerides (p<0.001) and significant negative correlation with LH, SHGB, HOMA-IR, HDL-C (p<0.001). The homocysteine concentration had significant negative correlation with HDL-C level (p<0.05). The present study has demonstrated increased mean concentration of homocysteine and hs-CRP women with PCOS. Our results support the use of these biomarkers in the evaluation of potential risk for cardiovascular diseases and early prognosis and treatment implications.