Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Parameters in PCOS Patients Depending on Body Mass Index: A Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Chronic low-grade inflammation is implicated in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pathogenesis.
• The precise role of specific cytokines and their association with obesity in PCOS remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate chronic inflammation parameters in women with PCOS compared to healthy controls.
• To determine if elevated cytokines in PCOS are linked to excess weight or are independent factors.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 44 women with PCOS and 45 healthy controls.
• Participants were categorized into normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m²) and overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) subgroups.
• Plasma levels of 32 cytokines were analyzed using a multiplex immunoassay.

Main Results:

• Women with PCOS exhibited elevated levels of IL-1 RA, IL-2, IL-6, IL-17 E, IL-17 A, IL-18, and MIP-1α compared to controls, irrespective of BMI.
• Lean women with PCOS showed higher levels of IL-1α, IL-4, IL-9, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, TNF-α, TNF-β, sCD40L, FKN, MCP-3, and MIP-1β.
• IL-22 was increased in the overall PCOS group compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Chronic low-grade inflammation is an independent factor in PCOS development, not solely dependent on obesity.
• This study provides novel data on elevated IL-9, MCP-3, and MIP-1α levels in women with PCOS.