Premium
Severe endothelial dysfunction in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome is only partially explained by known cardiovascular risk factors
Author(s) -
Sorensen Morten B.,
Franks Stephen,
Robertson Carole,
Pennell Dudley J.,
Collins Peter
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
clinical endocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1365-2265
pISSN - 0300-0664
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2006.02645.x
Subject(s) - endothelial dysfunction , polycystic ovary , medicine , brachial artery , endocrinology , body mass index , endothelium , insulin resistance , insulin , blood pressure
Summary Objective We aimed to assess whether metabolic abnormalities can explain endothelial dysfunction and associated cardiovascular disease risk (CVDr) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Endothelial function, a recognized composite marker of CVDr, may be reduced in PCOS and can be precisely and noninvasively assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Patients Fourteen women with anovulatory PCOS (age [mean ± SD] 33 ± 4 years) and 13 controls (age: 33 ± 6 years) with similar body mass index and regular menses. Methods Endothelium‐dependent (flow‐mediated dilatation – FMD) and ‐independent (glyceryl trinitrate – GTN) changes in the brachial artery area were measured using CMR in women with PCOS and controls. Arterial function was assessed twice, in the early follicular phase and mid cycle in controls and after an interval of 2 weeks in PCOS subjects. Fasting lipids, glucose, insulin and sex hormones were measured at the first visit. Results FMD was greatly reduced in women with PCOS compared to controls (−1% vs 5% and 2% vs 12%, P < 0·01) without differences in GTN responses. Risk factors were more prevalent in PCOS women and displayed significant linear relationships with FMD. PCOS status was the strongest predictor of FMD. Linear regression between PCOS and FMD remained significant after correction for all CVD risk markers linked to the metabolic syndrome. Conclusion PCOS is associated with changes in CVD risk markers and pronounced endothelial dysfunction. However endothelial dysfunction with PCOS is only partly explained by recognized CVD risk markers.