Lower cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript levels pose a risk for developing PCOS

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neuroendocrinology
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is an anorectic neuropeptide involved in food intake, endocrine function, and ovarian modulation.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinological disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by multiple ovarian cysts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between CART peptide levels and PCOS.
• To explore the relationship between CART, metabolic parameters, and hormonal profiles in women with and without PCOS.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 148 participants (73 with PCOS, 75 controls).
• Measurement of fasting blood glucose, insulin, lipids, hs-CRP, reproductive hormones, free testosterone, and CART levels.
• Calculation of HOMA-IR and BMI; correlation and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• CART levels were significantly lower in women with PCOS compared to controls (90.77 ± 5.98 pg/ml vs. 93.24 ± 8.17 pg/ml, p=0.038).
• CART showed negative correlations with BMI and waist circumference in both groups.
• In controls, CART positively correlated with insulin and HOMA-IR, and negatively with FBG.
• Logistic regression suggested a potential protective effect of CART against PCOS (OR: 0.94, 95% CI=0.888-0.997, p=0.038).

Conclusions:

• CART peptide levels are reduced in women with PCOS.
• CART may play a role in the pathophysiology of PCOS and potentially exert a protective effect.