Serum concentrations of atherogenic proteins neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and its complex with matrix metalloproteinase-9 are significantly lower in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: hint of a protective mechanism?

BackgroundNeutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) have been considered as important mediators of vascular remodeling and plaque instability. The formation of a complex with NGAL and MMP-9 is crucial for atherotic plaque erosion and thrombus formation. In women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the incidence of cardiovascular clinical events is not increased, despite the fact that they display a wide spectrum of risk factors. Since the instability of atherosclerotic plaque is a key factor in the clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease, molecules challenging the plaque stability should be investigated.AimTo determine serum levels of NGAL and MMP-9/NGAL complex in women with PCOS.Subjects and methodsPCOS subjects (40) were compared with those (40) matched for age and body mass index (BMI) controls. In each subject, fasting levels of glucose, insulin, gonadotropins, estradiol, androgens, C-reactive protein, NGAL, and MMP-9/NGAL were determined.ResultsNGAL and MMP-9/NGAL complex levels were significantly lower in the PCOS group compared with controls (30.4±24.3 vs 70.7±37.9 μg/l, P<0.0001) and (31.5±26.6 vs 115.1±66.9 μg/l, P<0.0001) respectively. When patients and controls were stratified according to BMI, it was shown that NGAL and MMP-9/NGAL levels were significantly lower in lean (P<0.0002 and P<0.0001 respectively) and overweight (P<0.0004 and P<0.002 respectively) PCOS subjects compared with controls.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that NGAL and MMP-9/NGAL complex, two molecules that activate atherotic plaque erosion, is in lower concentrations in PCOS subjects. The role of NGAL and MMP-9/NGAL complex needs to be further investigated, since suppression of these atheromatous molecules might have a protective role in women with PCOS.

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Matrix metalloproteinase-9 increases and Interleukin-10 reduces with increase in body mass index in polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross-sectional study

International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine ◽

10.18502/ijrm.v13i8.7502 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Angel Mercy Sylus ◽

Hanumanthappa Nandeesha ◽

Thiagaraju Chitra

Keyword(s):

Nitric Oxide ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽

Matrix Metalloproteinase ◽

Body Mass ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Interleukin 10 ◽

Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ◽

Ovary Syndrome ◽

Metalloproteinase 9

Background: Obesity, inflammation and alterations in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and nitric oxide (NO) levels are involved in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Objective: To investigate the relationship of MMP-9, NO and interleukin-10 (IL-10) with the increase in body mass index (BMI) in women with PCOS. Materials and Methods: Sixty two infertile PCOS women were included in the study. Serum levels of NO, IL-10 and MMP-9 were assessed in the women with increase in BMI. Results: MMP-9 was significantly increased (p = 0.029) and IL-10 (p = 0.015) was significantly reduced in obese PCOS subjects compared to those with lesser BMI. MMP- 9 levels positively correlated with the duration of infertility (r = 0.253, p = 0.047) and negatively correlated with NO levels (r = - 0.259, p = 0.042). A significant negative correlation between the interleukin-10 levels and the BMI (r = - 0.272, p = 0.033) was also found in the PCOS subjects. Conclusion: MMP-9 levels are increased in obese PCOS women and it is associated with NO levels and the duration of infertility. Key words: Body mass index, Interleukin-10, Nitric oxide, Matrix metalloproteinase-9.

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