Serum ß-Klotho concentrations are increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a significant cause of menstrual disorders and infertility in women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of Klotho expression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The study involved 67 patients with PCOS, as well as 18 controls. Serum levels of FGF19, FGF21 and ß-Klotho were measured by ELISA technique. The blood samples were obtained between days 2 and 7 of menstrual cycle. The concentrations of ß-Klotho, FGF19 and FGF21 were significantly increased in patients with PCOS; and appear to be statistically significant predictors of PCOS incidence. FGF19 (p = 0.031, OR = 1.01), exact ß-Klotho levels (p = 0.022, OR = 1.01) and ß-Klotho beyond the reference range (p = 0.008, OR = 4.66) were the most strongly correlated with the diagnosis of PCOS. In conclusion, FGF19, FGF21 and ß-Klotho are increased in PCOS, and elevated ß-Klotho concentration may become an useful diagnostic test for this disease. However, additional studies are required to further substantiate this observation.

The pathogenesis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: What's new?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is currently the leading cause of menstrual complications in women. It is characterized by clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism, ovulation abnormalities and the presence of enlarged and/or polycystic ovaries in ultrasound images (12 or more small bubbles located circumferentially and/or ovarian volume > 10 mL). It is often comorbid with hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, overweight or obesity, and is a risk factor for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The treatment of patients with PCOS depends on the prevailing symptoms. The aim of this paper is to present the etiopathogenesis, clinical and biochemical implications, and non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options - those approved by worldwide scientific organizations as well as new therapies whose initial results are encouraging enough to prompt researchers to explore them further.