RESUMEN
To examine further the dynamics of adrenal steroidogenesis in selected groups of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] compared to normal ovulatory women of the same age. Materials and Serum cortisol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate [DHEAS], androstenedione [A], luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, 17-hydroxyprogesterone [17-OHP] and sex hormone-binding globulin [SHBG] were measured in the early follicular phase of the period. In addition, 2-day dexamethasone suppression and short adrenotropic hormone [ACTH] stimulation tests were performed for the study group and controls. Serum testosterone [4.3 +/- 1.8 nmol/l], LH [7.6 +/- 1.9 IU/l], and 17-OHP [4.7 +/- 2.3 nmol/l] were higher while SHBG [24.7 +/- 14.2 nmol/l] was lower in patients than the control. Testosterone was significantly suppressed after dexamethasone suppression test while the level of 17-OHP increased significantly in patients more than the control after 60 min of ACTH stimulation. In the PCOS, the ratio of 17-OHP/A showed a significant increase after ACTH stimulation while that of DHEAS/A decreased when compared to controls. The study suggests a contribution of adrenal cytochrome P-450C dysregulation in PCOS. This suggestion could lead to another method of treating some PCOS patients when the usual anti-androgens might not be fully effective in controlling most of the symptoms