Endothelial function in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most commom endocrinopathy of reproductive aged women. Toghether with the reproductive abnormalities of chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism, a significant majority of patients with PCOS also have insulin resistance (IR), which plays an important role to development of metabolic syndrome and confers a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There are limited studies to date suggesting that women with PCOS have subclinical evidence of premature CVD. Noninvasive surrogate markers are used in studies as markers of early vascular disease, like brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), carotid intima media thickness (IMT) and stiffness. Moreover, there are biochemical markers of vascular inflammation, like interleukin-6, leptin, necrosis tumor factor-alpha and C-protein reactive. We will recrut 24 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (12 with normal ody mass index and 12 obese) according Rotterdam Consensus with age between 18 and 35 years old. We will recrut normal women (control group) match to body mass index and age. Participants will perform a clinical examination and laboratory assessment. They will submit a dosage of hormonal and lipidic profiles, adiponectin and markers of vascular inflammation and 120-min 75-g oral glucose tolerance test to determine IR. The assessment to vascular parameters (FMD, IMT and stiffness) will be perform in Laboratory of Clinics Researchs of Intensive Unit Therapy of Heart Institute (INCOR) with ultrassonography, a noninvasive method. (AU)