Paraoxonase levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

To determine paraoxonase (PON1) levels and whether paraoxonase activity is associated with an increased propensity for the development of cardiovascular disease in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Thirty-one subjects with PCOS and 33 healthy controls were evaluated in this controlled clinical study. Lipid subfractions, fasting glucose, insulin and other hormone (gonadotropin, androgen) and PON1 levels were measured. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-R) was used to estimate insulin resistance. Statistical analysis was made with Student's t test and Pearson correlation analysis.

The women with PCOS had significantly lower serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1, basal PON1, arylesterase and salt-stimulated PON1 (SSP) levels than did the controls. Also, fasting insulin levels and HOMA-R were significantly higher in women with PCOS as compared with healthy subjects. Basal PON1 was positively associated with apolipoprotein A1, arylesterase and SSP but inversely correlated with HOMA-R. HDL was negatively associated with fasting insulin and HOMA-R.

Decreased PON1 activity might contribute to an increased propensity for the development of cardiovascular disease in women with PCOS in addition to known risk factors, such as insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia and increased oxidative stress.