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Is polycystic ovary syndrome associated with high sympathetic nerve activity and size at birth?

Yrsa Bergmann Sverrisdóttir1, Tove Mogren, Josefin Kataoka

  • 1Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Dept. of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg Univ., Box 432, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden. yrsa.sverrisdottir@neuro.gu.se

American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism
|January 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is linked to heightened sympathetic nerve activity, a key factor in cardiovascular risk. This study found increased muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in women with PCOS, influenced by testosterone and cholesterol levels.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age.
  • PCOS is associated with metabolic disturbances and increased cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Sympathetic nervous system dysfunction is implicated in the etiology of PCOS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate sympathetic nervous system outflow in women with PCOS.
  • To investigate the relationship between sympathetic activity and PCOS.
  • To explore the connection between sympathetic activity, hormonal levels, and birth size in PCOS.

Main Methods:

  • Directly recorded muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in 20 women with PCOS and 18 controls.
  • Assessed ovarian ultrasonography, biometric, hormonal, and biochemical parameters.
  • Collected and analyzed birth data for all participants.

Main Results:

  • Women with PCOS exhibited significantly higher MSNA compared to controls (30 ± 8 vs. 20 ± 7 burst frequency, P < 0.0005).
  • MSNA in PCOS was positively correlated with testosterone (r = 0.63, P < 0.005) and cholesterol (r = 0.55, P = 0.01).
  • Testosterone emerged as a stronger predictor of MSNA than cholesterol; birth size did not differ between groups.

Conclusions:

  • PCOS is associated with elevated sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA).
  • Testosterone and cholesterol levels are independent predictors of MSNA in PCOS, with testosterone having a greater impact.
  • Increased MSNA in PCOS may contribute to cardiovascular risk and the condition's underlying pathology.

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