ABSTRACT
Abstract: Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule -1 [sICAM-1] is ranked as one of the endothelial dysfunction markers and factors predicting diseases of the cardiovascular system. Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is an extremely prevalent disorder in which altered endothelial function and insulin resistance have been found
The main Objective: To assess serum level of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1] as a marker of endothelial dysfunction in relation to insulin resistance and serum testosterone in women with PCOS
Subjects and Methods The study assessed 40 women with PCOS [mean age 25.57 + 3.25 year]. That group was further divided into two subgroups: the first with body mass index [BMI] > 25kg/m2 [20 women of mean age 25.6 + 3.5 years] and the second with BMI< 25 kg/m2 [20 women of mean age [25.5 + 30 years]. In the control group there were 30 healthy women [mean age of 24.9 + 3.24 years]. That group again was divided accordingly to BMI in to two subgroup: the first with BMI> 25 kg/m2 [15 women, mean age 25 + 3.1 years] and the second with BMI <25 kg/m [15 women, mean age 24.9 + 3.4 years]
Results: The results demonstrated statistical significant higher mean concentrations of sICAM-1 in women with PCOS as compared to control group and also from the control subgroup with BMI> 25 kg/m2. There was statistically significant positive correlation between sICAM-1 and Insulin resistance [HOMA ]in PCOS and total testosterone level. There was statistically significant correlation between sICAM-1 and BMI in group with PCOS
Conclusion: higher concentration of sICAM-1 in women with PCOS, a significant degree of insulin resistance exist, which clearly is not related to obesity, may confirm the presence of endothelial dysfunctions, a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases in this group. Further study are therefore necessary to identify both the factors that are responsible for the increase in sICAM-1 concentration and the clinical usefulness of routine sICAM-1 measurement in females with PCOS