Ultrasonographic and Laboratory Markers of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

February 2012

Lucimara Facio Nobre Zueff, Wellington P. Martins, Carolina Sales Vieira, Rui Alberto Ferriani

polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD free androgen index FAI insulin levels insulin sensitivity QUICKI flow-mediated dilation FMD brachial artery insulin

Studysummary Among obese women potentially eligible for combined oral contraceptives, this study observed a higher frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in those with polycystic ovary syndrome. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study investigated the relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and markers of metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk in 90 obese women, with 45 diagnosed with PCOS and 45 serving as age-matched controls. The results indicated that women with PCOS had a significantly higher prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (73.3% vs. 46.7%, P < 0.01) and a higher free androgen index (FAI) (10.4% vs. 6.8%, P < 0.01). Additionally, there was a trend towards higher insulin levels and lower insulin sensitivity (as measured by QUICKI) and reduced flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery in the PCOS group, although these were not statistically significant. The study concluded that NAFLD is more common in obese women with PCOS, which is an important consideration for their healthcare, including the choice of contraceptives.

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Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research Increased Androgen Bioavailability Is Associated With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

119 citations , November 2009 in “Human Reproduction”

This study found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome have a higher prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and increased androgen bioavailability may be involved alongside metabolic factors.

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

research 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

44 citations , May 2008 in “Fertility and Sterility”

In this study, young, nonobese PCOS patients showed significant insulin resistance, but no significant difference in endothelial function compared to healthy controls, suggesting other factors may influence endothelial health.

research Relative Prevalence of Different Androgen Excess Disorders in 950 Women Referred Because of Clinical Hyperandrogenism

352 citations , January 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study reported that classic anovulatory PCOS was the most common androgen excess disorder, followed by mild ovulatory PCOS and idiopathic hyperandrogenism, among patients evaluated for clinical hyperandrogenism.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

4809 citations , January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This review discusses polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing its broad range of manifestations and associations with risks like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events, but reports no new clinical results.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

4025 citations , December 2003 in “Human Reproduction”

This review discusses the evolution of diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome and emphasizes its association with various metabolic and cardiovascular risks, but it provides no new research findings.

research The Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

249 citations , November 2003 in “Clinical endocrinology”

This review discusses the complex etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), highlighting its association with insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, but reports no clinical findings; the authors suggest further investigation of the pathophysiological mechanisms.