Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting about 5-10% of women. PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory disturbances, and polycystic ovaries. Many women with PCOS present with insulin resistance and central obesity and are at an increased risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Vitamin D deficiency is an important pathogenetic factor in the development of type II diabetes. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship of 25-hydroxyitamin D (25(OH)D) and metabolic and endocrine parameters in women with PCOS.

Methods: Of 25(OH)D levels were measured by means of ELISA in 40 women affected by PCOS. Metabolic, endocrine, and anthropometric measurements and oral glucose tolerance tests (fasting glucose, 1, and 2 h) were performed. Insulin resistance was determined using HOMA-index (homeostasis model assessment).

Results: Of 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with weight (r=−0.396), BMI (r=−0.447), Waist-to-hip-ratio (WHR) (r=−0.750), 1 h-glucose (r=−0.439), HOMA-index (r=−0.357), and QChol/HDL (r=−0.369) and positively correlated with HDL (r=0.582) (P<0.05 for all). PCOS women with 25(OH)D insufficiency (<25 ng/ml) had higher levels of weight, WHR, BMI, fasting glucose, 1 h-glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-index, QChol/HDL, and LDL and lower levels of HDL when compared to PCOS women with a sufficient 25(OH)D status of at least 25 ng/ml (P<0.05 for all). Lean PCOS women presented with significantly higher 25(OH)D levels than overweight/obese patients (P=0.01). No significant correlation was found between 25(OH)D and endocrine parameters such as hyperandrogenism.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that low 25(OH)D levels might be related to metabolic abnormalities that are frequently observed in women with PCOS. No association was found between 25(OH)D status and hyperandrogenism in PCOS women.