Elevated levels of interleukin-18 are associated with several indices of general and visceral adiposity and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

ABSTRACT Objective: Our aim was to analyze levels of proinflammatory biomarker interleukin-18 (IL-18) in healthy controls and patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) focusing on its association with obesity, clinical, hormonal, and metabolic characteristics. Subjects and methods: Fifty-eight patients with PCOS were enrolled in the study fulfilling the Rotterdam criteria and were matched for age, body mass index (BMI), and ethnicity with 30 healthy controls. Detailed anthropometric measurements, clinical investigations, hormonal and biochemical tests were obtained between the 3rd and 5th day of a menstrual cycle. A subanalysis of the PCOS group was performed separating patients into several groups according to a waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), insulin resistance (IR), and free androgen index (FAI). Serum IL-18 levels were measured using the ELISA method. Results: Levels of IL-18 were similar between PCOS patients and controls. IL-18 was higher in overweight/obese women compared to normal-weight women when analyzing all participants together and separately PCOS or controls group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.01, respectively). Additionally, IL-18 levels were higher in high-WHtR and IR subgroups compared to low-WHtR (p < 0.001) and non-IR PCOS women (p < 0.001). PCOS women with high FAI had greater serum IL-18 levels than normal-FAI patients (p = 0.002). Levels of IL-18 correlated positively with most of the anthropometric and metabolic parameters. In multiple linear regression, age, waist circumference, and fasting insulin were independently related factors with IL-18. Conclusion: Elevated levels of IL-18 were related to several indices of general and visceral adiposity and insulin resistance in PCOS.

Assessment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Patients’ Perception for Different Cardiovascular Risk Factors using Questionnaire.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the perception for the presence of cardiovascular risk factors in Bulgarian patients with PCOS and/or obesity. Study Design: Clinic of endocrinology, Alexandrovska University Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria between January 2010 and December 2011. Methodology: One hundred women (30 obese, 50 nonobese PCOS and 20 obese PCOS) aged 18-45 years were included in the study. They were asked to fill a questionnaire, containing questions about common and popular cardiovascular risk factors like obesity, arterial hypertension, dislipidemia, diabetes and stress. Then their answers were compared to the results form the anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests, performed during the hospital stay. Results: 98% of the patients with body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 stated that they have obesity and do not find their weight appropriate. Only 33.3% of the obese PCOS patients however were able to point their present weight correctly, compared to 59.3% in obese and 67.3% in nonobese PCOS patients group. 56.7% of obese and 65% of obese PCOS patients stated that they were treated for obesity (diet, physical activity or drugs). 59,3% of obese patients had dislipidemia without knowing that while the actual rate of dislipidemia in this group was 70%. The highest matching between the answers of the patients and the test results was observed for arterial hypertension – 82.1%, 96.0% and 84.2% for obese, nonobese PCOS and obese PCOS groups respectively. The data about the presence of stress at home or at work showed that women with PCOS have generally higher rates of stress compared to obese women without PCOS. Conclusion: Patients with PCOS and/or obesity are well informed about the presence of the common cardiovascular risk factors.