Bone markers in polycystic ovary syndrome: A multicentre study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Bone Metabolism
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinaemia, and obesity.
• Bone mineral density and bone turnover markers (BTMs) are crucial for assessing bone health.
• BTMs offer a noninvasive method to evaluate bone turnover rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze serum concentrations of BTMs and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in women with PCOS.
• To determine associations between BTMs, 25OHD, and metabolic parameters in PCOS.
• To investigate potential effects of PCOS on bone turnover.

Main Methods:

• Measured serum levels of bone formation markers (procollagen type I amino-terminal propeptide - PINP, osteocalcin - OC) and bone resorption marker (carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen - CTX).
• Assessed 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels.
• Compared markers between 298 women with PCOS and 194 healthy controls, including age-stratified analyses.

Main Results:

• Women with PCOS exhibited significantly lower serum levels of PINP and OC compared to controls.
• No significant differences in CTX or 25OHD levels were observed between groups.
• Decreased PINP and OC levels in women with PCOS were primarily noted in the younger age group (≤30 years).
• Both bone formation and resorption markers decreased with age in both PCOS and control groups.

Conclusions:

• Younger women with PCOS show reduced bone formation markers compared to healthy peers.
• These findings may indicate a potential impact on bone mass accrual in younger women with PCOS.
• Further research is warranted to explore the long-term skeletal implications for women with PCOS.