Expression of 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 in Visceral and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Associated with Adiposity

In a 2011 study involving 85 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 43 control subjects, researchers examined the expression of the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD11B1) in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues. They discovered that HSD11B1 expression was higher in both types of adipose tissue in PCOS patients and was associated with increased body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, insulin levels, and markers of insulin resistance (IR), such as HOMA-IR. Additionally, HSD11B1 expression was linked to an unfavorable metabolic profile, including lower HDL-cholesterol and higher C-reactive protein levels. The study concluded that increased HSD11B1 expression is related to adiposity and IR, independent of PCOS status, suggesting that the enzyme may contribute to the development of visceral adiposity and subsequent IR. The study was funded by the Slovenian Research Agency.