The Evaluation of Endothelial Function with Flow-Mediated Dilatation and Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Young Nonobese Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients; Existence of Insulin Resistance Alone May Not Represent an Adequate Condition for Deterioration of Endothelial Function
May 2008
in “
Fertility and Sterility
”
TLDR Insulin resistance might not be enough to worsen blood vessel function in young, nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
In a study conducted 14 years ago, 39 young, nonobese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were compared to 30 healthy controls to evaluate endothelial function and insulin resistance. Despite significant insulin resistance and higher hormone levels in the PCOS group, there was no significant difference in endothelial function as determined by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). The researchers concluded that insulin resistance alone may not be sufficient to cause deterioration of endothelial function and carotid intima media thickness in young, nonobese PCOS patients. Other factors such as the duration of insulin resistance, older age, presence of obesity, and inflammatory markers may play a significant role in this process.