Endocrine Abstracts

The patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at increased risk for insulin resistance, central obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension. In our study, we aimed to detect whether women with PCOS who had normal OGTT results have had insulin resistance. Moreover we investigated the association of probable insulin resistance with cardiovascular risk indicators such as hs-CRP and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT).

In total, 34 untreated PCOS patients (mean age 24.06±5.20 years) who had normal oral glucose tolerance test were included in our study. The control group was comprised of 20 healthy subjects with concordant age and BMI values with patient group. Exclusion criteria were the following: use of any drug (such as oral contraceptive, glucocorticoids, antiandrogens, anti-hypertensive drugs), history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, anaemia, renal disease, liver disease, and systemic illness. Complete blood count, fasting blood glucose, hs-CRP, fasting insulin and hormone profile analyses were performed in patient and control groups. The HOMA-IR index was calculated in both groups. In this study, insulin resistance was determined in 22 (58%) patients with PCOS and normal OGTT results. Elevated hs-CRP levels and increased CIMT were determined in the patients with PCOS who had insulin resistance but the difference was not statistically significant. The hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in the patient group than control group (P<0.05). A strong positive correlation between BMI and hs-CRP levels, CIMT was found in the patients (P=0.009 and P=0.006 respectively).

In conclusion, we suggested that there is a close relationship between PCOS and insulin resistance and cardiovascular morbidity even if OGTT results are normal.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.