Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

A Modified Technique for Inducing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Mice
Published on: July 5, 2024
Oral contraceptives alone and with spironolactone increase sCD40 ligand in PCOS patients
Levent Kebapcilar1, Oktay Bilgir, Cuneyt Eftal Taner
1Department of Internal Medicine, Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. leventkebapcilar@yahoo.com
Background:
The present study was designed to determine the effect of oral contraceptives (OCP) and OCP plus spironolactone (Sp) on plasma soluble CD40L levels in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients.
Methods:
Fifty-six women with PCOS were randomized into two treatment protocols: ethinylestradiol + cyproterone acetate (2 mg, EE/CA; n = 28), and EE/CA with spironolactone (Sp; n = 28). Plasma sCD40L levels were measured before and after a 3-month treatment.
Results:
Before the initiation of treatment, the sCD40L levels were not significantly different between the groups [EE/CA (1.33 ng/mL) vs. EE/CA + Sp (1.23 ng/mL); P > 0.05]. In the post-treatment period, sCD40L concentrations were increased compared with pre-treatment values in the EE/CA and EE/CA + Sp groups (1.33 vs. 2.70 ng/mL, P = 0.011; and 1.23 vs. 2.41 ng/mL, P = 0.017; respectively).
Conclusion:
Increased plasma concentrations of sCD40L are associated with OCP and OCP + Sp treatment regimens in PCOS patients.
Related Concept Videos
Birth Control Methods
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Infertility in Females
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
