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.
Evaluation of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and their complex MMP-9/NGAL in sera and urine of patients with kidney tumors
