Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin: An Important Biomarker for Predicting PCOS Risk - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

December 2017 in “ Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine ”

Ritu Deswal, Arun Kumar Yadav, Amita Suneja Dang

sex hormone-binding globulin SHBG polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS biomarker endocrine disturbances metabolic disturbances

TLDR Lower SHBG levels may increase the risk of PCOS.

The systematic review and meta-analysis from December 11, 2017, found that lower levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) are significantly associated with an increased risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its related metabolic and endocrine disturbances. Analyzing 62 articles, the study showed that SHBG levels were significantly higher in controls compared to PCOS patients, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.83 (95% CI: -1.01 to -0.64). The review also indicated that therapeutic interventions could improve SHBG levels in PCOS patients, potentially reducing complications associated with the condition. Despite the presence of publication bias and high heterogeneity among the studies, the document suggests that SHBG could serve as a useful biomarker for predicting PCOS risk and may help in understanding the link between PCOS and its associated comorbidities.

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research Common Variants in the Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Gene Influence SHBG Levels in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

24 citations , November 2015 in “Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism”

Certain SHBG gene variants, like rs727428, are linked to higher testosterone levels in women with PCOS.

research The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Normal Population According to the Rotterdam Criteria Versus Revised Criteria Including Anti-Mullerian Hormone

221 citations , January 2014 in “Human Reproduction”

Adding anti-Müllerian hormone to PCOS criteria lowers the number of women diagnosed.

research Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

1265 citations , December 2013 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

The guideline suggests using specific criteria to diagnose PCOS, recommends various treatments for its symptoms, and advises screening for related health issues.

research Common Variants in the Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Gene (SHBG) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Mediterranean Women

39 citations , September 2012 in “Human Reproduction”

Certain genetic variations in the SHBG gene are linked to an increased or decreased risk of PCOS in Mediterranean women.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Diagnosis

991 citations , January 2011 in “Nature Reviews Endocrinology”

The document concludes that PCOS is a complex disorder caused by both genetic and environmental factors, affecting women's health in various ways, and requires personalized treatment.

research The Effect of Weight Loss and Treatment with Metformin on Serum Vaspin Levels in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

38 citations , January 2011 in “Endocrine Journal”

Weight loss and metformin don't significantly change vaspin levels in women with PCOS.

research The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Criteria for the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Complete Task Force Report

1540 citations , February 2009 in “Fertility and Sterility”

The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.

research Low Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Is Associated With Low High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol And Metabolic Syndrome In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

71 citations , June 2006 in “Human Reproduction”

Women with PCOS who have low SHBG are more likely to have low good cholesterol and metabolic syndrome.