Endocrine Abstracts

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes (GDM) are two common metabolic disorders. The serum oxidative stress markers advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) have been found to be elevated in women with PCOS and GDM compared to controls. However the impact of these harmful molecules to their offspring is under investigation.

Objective: To evaluate AGEs and AOPPs serum levels along with the hormonal/metabolic profile, their possible relationship as well as their potential impact in a cohort of PCOS(N) and GDM (N) neonates and their mothers PCOS(M) and GDM(M). As control was studied a group of normal mothers C(M) and their neonates C(N).

Design and setting: Prospective controlled study conducted in an Academic Medical Center.

Patients: The study population comprised 151 mothers/neonates pairs.

Main outcome measures: Anthropometric, metabolic, hormonal parameters and oxidative stress markers.

Results: AGEs and AOPPs were higher in PCOS(M) and GDM(M) mothers compared to controls(CM; P<0.05; AGEs: PCOSM: 7.19±1.8 vsGDM: 7.28±2.4 vs CM: 5.68±1.3 U/ml, AOPPs: 10.18±1.76 vs 10.06±2.02 vs 5.3±1.8 μmol/l) respectively. The same significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the corresponding neonates groups (N; AGEs: PCOSN: 5.67±1.42 vs GDMN: 5.74±1.52 vs CN:5.05±1.28 U/ml, AOPPs: 9.56±1.49 vs 11.24±5.49 vs 6.2±2.51 μmol/l respectively). A strong relationship between mothers’ and neonates’ AGEs (r=0.605, P<0.001) and AOPPs (r=0.735, P<0.001) was disclosed. Analogous findings were observed regarding androgens and insulin resistance in the subgroups of mothers and neonates.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that in PCOS neonates, the oxidative stress status and metabolic/hormonal profile was similar to that of GDM neonates and strongly associated with their mother’s oxidative status. These findings may have clinical implications, since PCOS diagnosis can be achieved before pregnancy, thus enhancing pre-pregnancy health precautions for a better health outcome in their offspring.

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.