Ethnicity and polycystic ovary syndrome are associated with independent and additive decreases in insulin action in Caribbean-Hispanic women

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have been shown to be less insulin sensitive compared with control women, independent of BMI. Training is associated with molecular adaptations in skeletal muscle improving glucose uptake and metabolism in both healthy and type 2 diabetic individuals. In the present study, lean, hyperandrogenic women with PCOS (n=9) and healthy controls (CON, n=9) completed 14 weeks of controlled and supervised exercise training. In CON, the training intervention increased whole body insulin action by 26% and insulin-stimulated leg glucose uptake by 53%, together with increased insulin-stimulated leg blood flow and a more oxidative muscle fiber type distribution. In PCOS, no such changes were found, despite similar training intensity and improvements in maximal oxygen uptake. In skeletal muscle of CON, but not PCOS, training increased GLUT4 and HKII mRNA and protein expressions. These data suggest that the impaired increase in whole body insulin action in women with PCOS with training is caused by an impaired ability to upregulate key glucose handling proteins for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, and insulin-stimulated leg blood flow. Still, other important benefits of exercise training appeared in women with PCOS, including an improvement of the hyperandrogenic state.

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Insulin Action in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: In Vivo and In Vitro

The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Current Concepts On Pathogenesis And Clinical Care - Endocrine Updates ◽

10.1007/978-0-387-69248-7_4 ◽

2007 ◽

pp. 43-68 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jean-Patrice Baillargeon

Keyword(s):

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽

Insulin Action ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Ovary Syndrome

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Polycystic ovary syndrome: metabolic aspects

Oxford Textbook of Endocrinology and Diabetes ◽

10.1093/med/9780199235292.003.0857 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 1235-1239

Author(s):

Richard S. Legro

Keyword(s):

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽

Insulin Action ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Metabolic Abnormalities ◽

Polycystic Ovaries ◽

Ovary Syndrome ◽

Insulin Resistant ◽

The Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Health Disorders

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is thought to be primarily a disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. The diagnostic criteria reflect ovarian dysfunction, i.e. hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. However, women with PCOS appear to be uniquely insulin resistant, are frequently obese, and may be at risk for a variety of long-term health disorders including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers. Although the endocrine and reproductive features of the disorder improve with age, the associated metabolic abnormalities, particularly components of the metabolic syndrome, may actually worsen. This chapter will explore the pathophysiology of aberrant insulin action in women with PCOS, recognition of long-term risks, and preventive strategies.

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