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

Ö Yilmaz1, M Calan2, T Kume3

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Merkezefendi State Hospital, Merkezefendi, Manisa, Turkey.

Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|July 5, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) levels are lower in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Lower CART may offer protection against PCOS development.

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.

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