scholarly journals Lower insulin sensitivity differentiates hirsute from non-hirsute Sicilian women with polycystic ovary syndrome

2006 ◽  
Vol 155 (6) ◽  
pp. 859-865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco C Amato ◽  
Aldo Galluzzo ◽  
Simona Merlino ◽  
Antonina Mattina ◽  
Pierina Richiusa ◽  
...  

Objective: It is well known that hyperandrogenism and insulin-resistance with or without compensatory hyperinsulinism are closely associated, but the Rotterdam Consensus has concluded that principally obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) should be evaluated for the metabolic syndrome. Our aim was to study insulin sensitivity in PCOS women with hirsutism regardless of obesity. Methods: Clinical characteristics, sex hormones and fasting- and after OGTT-glycemia and insulinemia, homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA IR), and Matsuda index of insulin sensitivity were analyzed in 130 women with PCOS. Hirsutism has been evaluated through the Ferriman–Gallwey (FG) map scoring system. Results: PCOS women with hirsutism (57.7% of participants) showed significant higher values of total testosterone levels (P = 0.016), free testosterone (P = 0.027), DHEA sulfate (P = 0.017), and Δ4androstenedione (P = 0.018). They had similar body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.073) and were significantly less insulin sensitive (P = 0.002) than those without hirsutism (42.3% of participants). In women with PCOS and hirsutism, there was a significant correlation between FG score and insulin-sensitivity indexes (HOMA IR, ρ = 0.33, P = 0.005; Matsuda index, ρ = −0.34, P = 0.003) but not with the androgen levels. Moreover, women with hirsutism showed a significantly greater insulin (P = 0.019), C-peptide (P = 0.002), and glucose (P = 0.024) areas under the curve (auc2h). Conclusions: Our study suggests that the increased responsiveness of the pilo-sebaceous unit to androgens seems to be influenced by insulin sensitivity and that insulin resistance should be assessed in all hirsute women with PCOS regardless of their BMI, as insulin resistance was found in hirsute women irrespective of whether they were overweight or obese.

2004 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 1273-1276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evanthia Diamanti-Kandarakis ◽  
Chryssa Kouli ◽  
Krystallenia Alexandraki ◽  
Giovanna Spina

Abstract Insulin resistance is a common metabolic feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this study, we examined the validity of the mathematical indices [the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and the homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA)] that calculate insulin sensitivity and their correlation to glucose utilization with the insulin infusion rate in 40 mU/m2·min by the euglycemic clamp (M) in women with PCOS. We studied 59 women with PCOS (20 lean, 16 overweight, and 23 obese subjects). Euglycemic clamp testing was performed, and QUICKI, HOMA, total testosterone, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and glucose-to-insulin ratio were estimated. No difference was found in testosterone and glucose levels among the three groups. Lean or overweight women compared with obese women differed in insulin levels, glucose-to-insulin ratio, QUICKI, and HOMA (P < 0.01). No statistical difference was found between lean and overweight women in the above parameters. M differed when lean women were compared with overweight (P < 0.002) or obese women (P < 0.0001); however, no statistical difference was observed between overweight and obese women. No significant correlation was found between M and QUICKI or HOMA. We conclude that mathematical indices should be applied with caution in different insulin-resistant populations and should not be considered a priori equivalent to the euglycemic clamp technique.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai I. Cheang ◽  
Sakita N. Sistrun ◽  
Kelley S. Morel ◽  
John E. Nestler

Background.A deficiency of D-chiro-inositol-inositolphosphoglycan mediator (DCI-IPG) may contribute to insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Whether the relationship between impaired DCI-IPG release and insulin resistance is specific to PCOS rather than obesity is unknown. We assessed insulin-released DCI-IPG and its relationship to insulin sensitivity at baseline and after weight loss in obese women with and without PCOS.Methods.Obese PCOS (n=16) and normal (n=15) women underwent 8 weeks of a hypocaloric diet. The Matsuda index, area under the curve DCI-IPG (AUCDCI-IPG),AUCinsulin, andAUCDCI-IPG/AUCinsulinwere measured during a 2 hr OGTT at baseline and 8 weeks.Results.PCOS women had lowerAUCDCI-IPG/AUCinsulinat baseline and a significant relationship betweenAUCDCI-IPG/AUCinsulinand Matsuda index (p=0.0003), which was not present in controls. Weight loss was similar between PCOS (−4.08 kg) and normal women (−4.29 kg,p=0.6281). Weight loss in PCOS women did not change the relationship betweenAUCDCI-IPG/AUCinsulinand Matsuda index (p=0.0100), and this relationship remained absent in control women.Conclusion.The association betweenAUCDCI-IPG/AUCinsulinand insulin sensitivity was only found in PCOS but not in normal women, and this relationship was unaffected by weight loss. DCI and its messenger may contribute to insulin resistance in PCOS independent of obesity.


2005 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. 1360-1365 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Ortega-González ◽  
S. Luna ◽  
L. Hernández ◽  
G. Crespo ◽  
P. Aguayo ◽  
...  

Severe insulin resistance is a key abnormality in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether pioglitazone decreases insulin resistance (IR) and hyperandrogenism to the same extent as metformin in obese women with PCOS who have not received any previous treatment. Fifty-two women with PCOS were randomly allocated to receive either pioglitazone (30 mg/d, n = 25) or metformin (850 mg three times daily, n = 27) and were assessed before and after 6 months. Body weight, body mass index, and waist to hip ratio increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) after pioglitazone treatment but not after metformin treatment. Fasting serum insulin concentration (P < 0.001 for both drugs) and the area under the insulin curve during a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test decreased after pioglitazone (P < 0.002) or metformin (P < 0.05) treatment. IR (homeostasis model of assessment-IR index) decreased and insulin sensitivity (elevation of the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index and the fasting glucose to insulin ratio) increased (P ≤ 0.008) after treatment with either drug. Hirsutism (P < 0.05) and serum concentrations of free testosterone (P < 0.02) and androstenedione (P < 0.01) declined to a similar extent after treatment with the drugs. Treatment with pioglitazone or metformin was associated with the occurrence of pregnancy (n = 5 and n = 3, respectively). These results suggest that pioglitazone is as effective as metformin in improving insulin sensitivity and hyperandrogenism, despite an increase in body weight, body mass index, and the waist to hip ratio associated with pioglitazone.


1995 ◽  
Vol 133 (6) ◽  
pp. 718-722 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonino Lasco ◽  
Domenico Cucinotta ◽  
Alfonso Gigante ◽  
Giulia Denuzzo ◽  
Marilena Pedulla ◽  
...  

Lasco A, Cucinotta D, Gigante A, Denuzzo G, Pedulla M, Trifiletti A, Frisina N. No changes of peripheral insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome after long-term reduction of endogenous androgens with leuprolide. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:718–22. ISSN 0804–4643 The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma insulin levels, peripheral insulin sensitivity and androgen secretion in ten patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and in six obese women as compared with six normal-weight control subjects. During a euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp no significant change of testosterone, androstenedione or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate plasma levels was observed in the two groups of patients or in the control subjects; insulin sensitivity was clearly reduced and was similar in polycystic ovary patients and in obese women, in spite of the different plasma androgen levels. A long-term (5 months) androgen suppression with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist leuprolide was not able to improve significantly the insulin sensitivity. These results demonstrate that the short-term hyperinsulinemia achieved with the clamp technique does not affect androgen secretion and that insulin resistance, measured with the same technique, is not influenced by long-term suppression of plasma androgen levels in polycystic ovary syndrome. A Lasco, Via Faustina e Tertullo 19, 98100 Messina, Italy


Author(s):  
Sujana Thalamati

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a symptom complex associated with increased amounts of circulating androgens in females, increased insulin resistance and obesity. The drugs, Myo-inositol, D-chiro-inositol and Metformin, which are insulin sensitizers, are very helpful in taking care of one of the key components of PCOS that is insulin resistance. This study was done to compare the effects of combination of Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol with the use of metformin on clinical and biochemical profile in PCOS.Methods: A prospective, randomized, comparative study was conducted on 200 patients. The patients were randomly assigned into the two groups of 100 each. Group A receiving Tab. Myoinositol 550mg twice daily and Tab. D-chiro-inositol 13.8mg twice daily and Group B receiving Tab. Metformin 500mg thrice daily. The patients were assessed by menstrual cycle regulation, hirsutism score (Ferriman Gallwey), fasting and post prandial glucose and insulin levels, serum DHEA levels, serum free testosterone levels and fasting day 3 serum LH and FSH ratio.Results: In both the groups there was significant improvement in all the above mentioned parameters, however the group with Combination of Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol had statistically significant improvement over the Metformin group.Conclusions: Combination of Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol and use of metformin, significantly improved insulin sensitivity in PCOS women. But combination of Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol was effective in controlling the hormonal profiles (LH/FSH ration and free testosterone) when compared to Metformin.


2005 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 1929-1935 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teimuraz Apridonidze ◽  
Paulina A. Essah ◽  
Maria J. Iuorno ◽  
John E. Nestler

Abstract The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by insulin resistance with compensatory hyperinsulinemia. Insulin resistance also plays a role in the metabolic syndrome (MBS). We hypothesized that the MBS is prevalent in PCOS and that women with both conditions would present with more hyperandrogenism and menstrual cycle irregularity than women with PCOS only. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all women with PCOS seen over a 3-yr period at an endocrinology clinic. Of the 161 PCOS cases reviewed, 106 met the inclusion criteria. The women were divided into two groups: 1) women with PCOS and the MBS (n = 46); and 2) women with PCOS lacking the MBS (n = 60). Prevalence of the MBS was 43%, nearly 2-fold higher than that reported for age-matched women in the general population. Women with PCOS had persistently higher prevalence rates of the MBS than women in the general population, regardless of matched age and body mass index ranges. Acanthosis nigricans was more frequent in women with PCOS and the MBS. Women with PCOS and the MBS had significantly higher levels of serum free testosterone (P = 0.002) and lower levels of serum SHBG (P = 0.001) than women with PCOS without the MBS. No differences in total testosterone were observed between the groups. We conclude that the MBS and its components are common in women with PCOS, placing them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Women with PCOS and the MBS differ from their counterparts lacking the MBS in terms of increased hyperandrogenemia, lower serum SHBG, and higher prevalence of acanthosis nigricans, all features that may reflect more severe insulin resistance.


2013 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 2581-2588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Di Sarra ◽  
Flavia Tosi ◽  
Cecilia Bonin ◽  
Tom Fiers ◽  
Jean-Marc Kaufman ◽  
...  

Context: Metabolic inflexibility, ie, the impaired ability of the body to switch from fat to carbohydrate oxidation under insulin-stimulated conditions, is associated with insulin resistance. This alteration in metabolic plasticity can lead to organ dysfunction and is considered a key issue among the abnormalities of the metabolic syndrome. It is still unknown whether this phenomenon occurs in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Objective: Our objective was to examine whether metabolic inflexibility is a feature of PCOS women and whether hyperandrogenism may contribute to this phenomenon. Design and Patients: Eighty-nine Caucasian women with PCOS were submitted to hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Respiratory exchange ratios were evaluated at baseline and during hyperinsulinemia by indirect calorimetry to quantify substrate oxidative metabolism. Total testosterone was measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and free testosterone by equilibrium dialysis. Setting: Outpatients were seen in a tertiary care academic center. Main Outcome Measure: Metabolic flexibility was assessed by the change in respiratory quotient upon insulin stimulation. Results: Sixty-five of the 89 PCOS women (73%) had increased serum free testosterone, 68 (76%) were insulin resistant, and 62 (70%) had an impaired metabolic flexibility. Comparison of hyperandrogenemic and normoandrogenemic women showed that the 2 subgroups were of similar age but differed in terms of several anthropometric and metabolic features. In particular, hyperandrogenemic women had greater body mass index (32.9 ± 1.0 vs 24.7 ± 0.9 kg/m2, P < .001) and lower glucose utilization during the clamp (9.2 ± 0.4 vs 10.9 ± 0.7 mg/kg fat-free mass · min, P = .023) and metabolic flexibility (0.09 ± 0.06 vs 0.12 ± 0.01, P = .014). In univariate analysis, metabolic flexibility was associated with several anthropometric, endocrine, and metabolic features. In multivariate analysis, this feature was directly associated with baseline respiratory quotient and insulin sensitivity and inversely with free testosterone and free fatty acids concentrations under insulin suppression (R2 = 0.634, P < .001). Conclusions: Metabolic inflexibility is a feature of PCOS women. Both insulin resistance and androgen excess might contribute to this abnormality.


1998 ◽  
pp. 269-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Diamanti-Kandarakis ◽  
C Kouli ◽  
T Tsianateli ◽  
A Bergiele

Evidence suggests that insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia are associated with ovarian hyperandrogenism and menstrual irregularities in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Sixteen obese women with PCOS on a weight-maintaining diet were studied before and after 6 months of therapy with the insulin-sensitizing antidiabetic agent metformin at a dose of 1700 mg per day. Compared with baseline values, glucose utilization was markedly enhanced at 6 months using the two-step euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp to measure changes in insulin sensitivity (2.56 +/- 0.32 vs 4.68 +/- 0.49 mg/kg per min, P = 0.0001, when 40 mU insulin/m2 per min was infused, and 6.48 +/- 0.58 vs 9.84 +/- 0.72 mg/kg per min, P = 0.0002, when 400 mU insulin insulin/m2 per min was infused). The improvement in insulin action was accompanied by significant increases in the levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (24.5 +/- 7.2 vs 39.8 +/- 16.2 nmol/l, P = 0.003) and decreases in free testosterone (12.8 +/- 5.8 vs 9.0 +/- 3.0 pmol/l, P = 0.03) and androstenedione (12.9 +/- 5.6 vs 7.3 +/- 1.7 nmol/l, P = 0.003). No significant changes were recorded in body weight. Seven subjects resumed normal menstruation and two cases of spontaneous pregnancy occurred during treatment. Metformin was well tolerated except for one case of flatulence. These results confirm that metformin treatment can lead to improvements in insulin resistance and ovarian hyperandrogenism.


2008 ◽  
Vol 93 (7) ◽  
pp. 2909-2912 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark O. Goodarzi ◽  
Ning Xu ◽  
Ricardo Azziz

Abstract Context: Adrenal androgen excess is common in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and appears to be heritable. CYP3A7 metabolizes dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate (DHEAS). A promoter variant, CYP3A7*1C, which results in persistent expression in adults, was associated with reduced DHEAS levels in a previous study, which led us to consider CYP3A7*1C as a modulator of adrenal androgen excess in patients with PCOS. Objective: The objective was to replicate the association between CYP3A7*1C and reduced DHEAS levels in PCOS patients and assess its possible role in modulating testosterone levels. Design: Women with and without PCOS were genotyped for CYP3A7*1C, and this variant was tested for association with DHEAS and total and free testosterone. Setting: Subjects were recruited from the reproductive endocrinology clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; controls were recruited from the surrounding community. Genotyping took place at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles, CA). Participants: A total of 287 white women with PCOS and 187 controls were studied. Main Measurements: CYP3A7*1C genotype, PCOS risk, and androgen levels were measured. Results: PCOS subjects who carried the CYP3A7*1C variant had lower levels of serum DHEAS and total testosterone (P = 0.0006 and 0.046, respectively). The variant was not associated with PCOS risk. Conclusion: This study replicated prior work of the association of CYP3A7*1C and decreased DHEAS in a different population of young PCOS women, providing further genetic evidence that CYP3A7 plays a potential role in modulation of DHEAS levels. Adult expression of CYP3A7 may modify the PCOS phenotype by ameliorating adrenal androgen excess.


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