Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with endothelial dysfunction
G Paradisi1, H O Steinberg, A Hempfling
1Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5111, USA.
Circulation
|March 14, 2001
Summary
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit endothelial dysfunction and impaired insulin vasodilation, linked to higher androgens and insulin resistance, increasing cardiovascular risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular endocrinology
- Metabolic syndrome research
- Vascular biology
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction is a cardiovascular risk factor linked to insulin resistance and obesity.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and increased macrovascular disease risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate endothelial function in women with PCOS.
- To determine if endothelial dysfunction in PCOS is associated with metabolic or hormonal factors.
Main Methods:
- Studied leg blood flow (LBF) responses to methacholine chloride (MCh), an endothelium-dependent vasodilator.
- Assessed LBF response to euglycemic hyperinsulinemia.
- Compared 12 obese women with PCOS to 13 healthy obese women (OBW).
Main Results:
- PCOS group showed 50% lower LBF response to MCh compared to OBW.
- Hyperinsulinemia increased LBF by 30% in PCOS vs. 60% in OBW.
- Maximal LBF response to MCh inversely correlated with free testosterone levels (r=-0.52, P:<0.007).
Conclusions:
- PCOS is characterized by endothelial dysfunction and impaired insulin vasodilation.
- Endothelial dysfunction in PCOS is associated with elevated androgens and insulin resistance.
- Findings may explain increased macrovascular disease risk in women with PCOS.
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