Endocrine Abstracts

Insulin resistance is one of the common features of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and recent studies indicate the possible role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and inflammatory response. We aimed to investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and insulin resistance and inflammatory marker in obese women with PCOS and controls.

We recruited 50 obese women with PCOS (age 25±5 years, BMI 27.5±2.3 kg/m²) and 50 age, BMI-matched controls (age 26±5 years, BMI 27.3±2.1 kg/m²). Anthropometric measurements were obtained and metabolic and hormonal parameters were determined. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured by IRMA (COBRA Quantum 5002) and hsCRP by TIA (ADVIA 2400). Glucose tolerance status was assessed by 75 g OGTT, and insulin resistance index was calculated from OGTT data.

The prevalence of insufficient 25(OH)D levels (<30 ng/ml) were 90% in women with PCOS and 88% in controls. Serum 25(OH)D and hsCRP concentrations are not different between women with PCOS and controls. 25(OH)D and hsCRP did not correlate with metabolic and hormonal parameters, and no significant association was found between 25(OH)D and insulin resistance index and hsCRP in both women with PCOS and controls.

25(OH)D insufficiency was prevalent in young obese women, but 25(OH)D and hsCRP levels were not associated with insulin resistance or PCOS itself. Future studies will be required to ascertain the relationship between 25(OH)D and insulin resistance in large number of subjects with various age and BMI.

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.