Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with Special Reference to C-Reactive Protein

To estimate C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in Saudi women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and to investigate the associations between CRP and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components.

We randomly recruited 200 women with and without PCOS, between 18 and 38 years, in this age-matched case-control study. Study subjects were allocated to 1 of 4 groups according to the presence or absence of MetS. Interviews were conducted with all participants, and anthropometric measurements and blood samples were obtained for subsequent analysis of biochemical variables.

Two-thirds of the study population and all study subjects had central obesity. Fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index were significantly higher in PCOS and MetS groups than all other groups (P < 0.05). CRP levels were significantly higher among women with PCOS than their age-matched controls, regardless of the presence of MetS (P < 0.05). Body mass index was the only independent predictor of serum high-sensitivity-CRP, accounting for 17% of the variability in circulating levels (β = 0.407; 95% CI 0.248-0.472, P < 0.0001).

Obesity and insulin resistance are important risk factors for MetS in PCOS. The presence of MetS in PCOS subjects aggravates the proinflammatory state reflected by CRP levels.