Global Adiposity and Thickness of Intraperitoneal and Mesenteric Adipose Tissue Depots Are Increased in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

In a study conducted at an academic hospital, researchers examined the distribution of body fat in 55 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 25 control women, and 26 men with similar body mass index (BMI). Using ultrasound measurements and a body fat monitor, the study found that women with PCOS had increased total body fat and specifically greater thickness of intraperitoneal and mesenteric fat compared to control women, with values that were intermediate between control women and men. The study also noted that obesity increased the thickness of adipose tissue depots across all groups. Additionally, women with PCOS had higher fat mass as a percentage of total body mass, higher hirsutism scores, higher levels of total and free testosterone, higher fasting insulin levels, lower insulin sensitivity, lower HDL-cholesterol, and higher LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides compared to control women and men. The differences in adipose tissue thickness were independent of obesity, and no differences in hepatic steatosis were observed among the groups, although it was more prevalent in obese subjects. Adipose tissue thickness also correlated with various clinical, hormonal, and metabolic variables.