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Rohit Barnabas Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India

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Swati Jadhav Department of Endocrinology, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, India

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Anurag Ranjan Lila Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India

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Sirisha Kusuma Boddu Consultant Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Hyderabad, India

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Saba Samad Memon Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India

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Sneha Arya Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India

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Samiksha Chandrashekhar Hegishte Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India

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Manjiri Karlekar Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India

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Virendra A Patil Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India

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Vijaya Sarathi Department of Endocrinology, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, India

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Nalini S Shah Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India

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Tushar Bandgar Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India

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Background

The data on Leydig cell hypoplasia (LCH) resulting from biallelic Luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) inactivating variants is limited to case series.

Methods

We aim to describe our patients and perform systematic review of the patients with LHCGR inactivating variants in the literature. Detailed phenotype and genotype data of three patients from our centre and 85 (46,XY: 67; 46,XX: 18) patients from 59 families with LHCGR-inactivating variants from literature were described.

Results

Three 46,XY patients (age 6–18 years) from our center, with two reared as females, had two novel variants in LHCGR. Systematic review (including our patients) revealed 72 variants in 88 patients. 46,XY patients (n = 70, 56 raised as females) presented with pubertal delay (n = 41) or atypical genitalia (n = 17). Sinnecker score ≥3 (suggesting antenatal human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) inaction) was seen in 80% (56/70), and hCG-stimulated testosterone was low (<1.1 ng/mL) in 77.4% (24/31), whereas puberty/postpubertal age, high luteinizing hormone (LH) (97.6%, 41/42) and low (<1.0 ng/mL) basal testosterone (94.9%, 37/39) was observed in most. Follicle stimulating hormone was elevated in 21/51 of these patients. Variants with <10% receptor function were exclusively seen in cohorts with Sinnecker 4/5 (10/15 vs 0/5, P = 0.033). 46,XX patients (n = 18) presented with oligo/amenorrhea and/or anovulatory infertility and had polycystic ovaries (7/9) with median LH of 10 IU/L (1.2–38).

Conclusion

In summary, this study comprehensively characterizes LHCGR variants, revealing genotype-phenotype correlations and informing clinical management of LCH. In 46,XY LCH patients, pubertal LH inaction is uniform with variable severity of antenatal hCG inaction. Few mutant LHCGR have differential actions for LH and hCG.

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Signe Kirkegaard Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark

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Nanna Maria Uldall Torp Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark

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Stig Andersen Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
Department of Geriatrics, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark

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Stine Linding Andersen Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark

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Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are common gynecological disorders that constitute a significant burden of disease in women of fertile age. The disorders share a link to female reproduction and infertility; however, divergent effects on menstrual cycle, related hormones, and body composition have been proposed. Disorders of the thyroid gland including abnormal thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) and/or markers of thyroid autoimmunity similarly show a female predominance and onset in younger age groups. We reviewed the literature on the association between endometriosis, PCOS, and thyroid disease up until July 1, 2023, and identified 8 original studies on endometriosis and thyroid disease and 30 original studies on PCOS and thyroid disease. The studies were observational and heterogeneous regarding the design, sample size, and definitions of exposure and outcome; however, a tendency was seen toward an association between hyperthyroidism and endometriosis. Especially an association between endometriosis and slightly elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies has been found and corroborated in studies from different populations. On the other hand, the literature review turned a focus toward an association between hypothyroidism and PCOS, however, with uncertainties as to whether the association is caused by hypothyroidism per se and/or the thyroid autoantibodies (thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies). More evidence is needed to substantiate an association between endometriosis, PCOS, and thyroid disease, and to differentiate between the role of thyroid function and thyroid autoimmunity. Furthermore, studies are warranted to extend knowledge on the different disease characteristics and underlying mechanisms.

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Alan D Rogol Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

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The overall incidence of sex chromosome aneuploidies is approximately 1 per 500 live-born infants, but far more common at conception. I shall review the fertility aspects of the sex chromosome trisomies, XXY, XYY, and XXX, with special reference to the karyotype 45,X/47,XXX. Each has a ‘specific’ (but variable) phenotype but may be modified by mosaicism. Although the alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis are important (and discussed), the emphasis here is on potential fertility and if one might predict that at various epochs within an individual’s life span: fetal, ‘mini’-puberty, childhood, puberty, and adulthood. The reproductive axis is often affected in females with the 47,XXX karyotype with diminished ovarian reserve and accelerated loss of ovarian function. Fewer than 5% of females with Turner syndrome have the 45,X/47,XXX karyotype. They have taller stature and less severe fertility issues compared to females with the 45,X or other forms of Turner syndrome mosaicism. For the 47,XXY karyotype, non-obstructive azoospermia is almost universal with sperm retrieval by micro-testicular sperm extraction possible in slightly fewer than half of the men. Men with the 47,XYY karyotype have normal to large testes and much less testicular dysfunction than those with the 47,XXY karyotype. They do have a slight increase in infertility compared to the reference population but not nearly as severe as those with the 47,XXY karyotype. Assisted reproductive technology, especially micro-testicular sperm extraction, has an important role, especially for those with 47,XXY; however, more recent data show promising techniques for the in vitro maturation of spermatogonial stem cells and 3D organoids in culture. Assisted reproductive technology is more complex for the female, but vitrification of oocytes has shown promising advances.

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Silvia Ciancia Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

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Vanessa Dubois Basic and Translational Endocrinology (BaTE), Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

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Martine Cools Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Pediatric Endocrinology Service, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

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Both in the United States and Europe, the number of minors who present at transgender healthcare services before the onset of puberty is rapidly expanding. Many of those who will have persistent gender dysphoria at the onset of puberty will pursue long-term puberty suppression before reaching the appropriate age to start using gender-affirming hormones. Exposure to pubertal sex steroids is thus significantly deferred in these individuals. Puberty is a critical period for bone development: increasing concentrations of estrogens and androgens (directly or after aromatization to estrogens) promote progressive bone growth and mineralization and induce sexually dimorphic skeletal changes. As a consequence, safety concerns regarding bone development and increased future fracture risk in transgender youth have been raised. We here review published data on bone development in transgender adolescents, focusing in particular on differences in age and pubertal stage at the start of puberty suppression, chosen strategy to block puberty progression, duration of puberty suppression, and the timing of re-evaluation after estradiol or testosterone administration. Results consistently indicate a negative impact of long-term puberty suppression on bone mineral density, especially at the lumbar spine, which is only partially restored after sex steroid administration. Trans girls are more vulnerable than trans boys for compromised bone health. Behavioral health measures that can promote bone mineralization, such as weight-bearing exercise and calcium and vitamin D supplementation, are strongly recommended in transgender youth, during the phase of puberty suppression and thereafter.

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Ewa Stogowska Department of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland

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Karol Adam Kamiński Department of Population Medicine and Civilization Diseases Prevention, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland

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Bartosz Ziółko Techmo, Kraków, Poland

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Irina Kowalska Department of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland

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The subject of vocal changes accompanying pathological conditions, although still not well explored, seems to be promising. The discovery of laryngeal receptors for sex hormones and thyroid hormones can strongly support the hypothesis of changes in voice due to various endocrinopathies. On the other hand, the impairment of the proper function of the vocal apparatus can also be caused in the process of the microvasculature complications of diabetes mellitus. This review was a comprehensive summary of the accessible literature concerning the influence of selected endocrinopathies on subjective and objective voice parameters. We analysed a total number of 16 English-language research papers from the PubMed database, released between 2008 and 2021, describing vocal changes in reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, thyroid disorders in shape of hypo- or hyperthyroidism and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The vast majority of the analysed articles proved some changes in voice in all mentioned conditions, although the detailed affected vocal parameters frequently differed between research. We assume that the main cause of the observed conflicting results might stem from non-homogeneous methodology designs of the analysed studies.

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Hong Tang Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Xiaomei Jiang Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Yu Hua Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Heyue Li Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Chunlan Zhu Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Xiaobai Hao Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Minhui Yi Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Linxia Li Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China

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Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an androgen disorder and ovarian dysfunction disease in women of reproductive age. The cell death of granulosa cells (GCs) plays an important role in the development of PCOS. However, the mechanism of GC death is still unclear.

Methods

In the current study, NEDD4L was found to be elevated in PCOS GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) databases and mouse models. The cell viability was analyzed by CCK-8 and FDA staining. The expression of ferroptosis markers was assessed by ELISA and immunofluorescence. The direct interaction of GPX4 and NEDD4L was verified by co-immunoprecipitation assay.

Result

Functionally, results from CCK-8 and FDA staining demonstrated that NEDD4L inhibited the cell viability of KGN cells and NEDD4L increased the levels of iron, malonyldialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species and decreased glutathione levels. Moreover, the cell death of KGN induced by NEDD4L was blocked by ferroptosis inhibitor, suggesting that NEDD4L regulates KGN cell ferroptosis. Mechanistically, NEDD4L directly interacts with GPX4 and promotes GPX4 ubiquitination and degradation.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study indicated that NEDD4L facilitates GC ferroptosis by promoting GPX4 ubiquitination and degradation and contributes to the development of PCOS.

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Xiuhua Liao Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
Fujian Maternal-Fetal Clinical Medicine Research Center, Fuzhou, China
Fujian Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China

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Suqin Zhu Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

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Shumin Qiu Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

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Hua Cao Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

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Wenwen Jiang Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

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Huiling Xu Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

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Yan Sun Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

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Beihong Zheng Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
Fujian Maternal-Fetal Clinical Medicine Research Center, Fuzhou, China
Fujian Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China

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This study aimed to investigate the role of mitochondrial-related protein Mfn2 in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its impact on oocyte development. The pathological features of PCOS model mice were confirmed by hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. The expression of Mfn2 and mitochondrial-related proteins in PCOS oocytes and granulosa cells was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Mitochondrial quantity was measured by Mito-Tracker staining, and the structure of mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs) was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that Mfn2 was significantly downregulated in PCOS oocytes and granulosa cells, and its expression was inhibited in oocytes at different developmental stages. Moreover, the structure of MAMs was also disrupted. Downregulation of Mfn2 expression led to a reduction in mitochondrial quantity in oocytes and granulosa cells, as well as disruption of MAM structure, while overexpression of Mfn2 had the opposite effect. In conclusion, this study indicates that Mfn2 affects the development of PCOS oocytes by regulating MAMs and may be involved in maintaining the stability of MAM structure and function, thereby affecting mitochondrial quantity and function. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of PCOS.

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Charissa van Zwol-Janssens Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Aglaia Hage Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Kim van der Ham Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Birgitta K Velthuis Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands

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Ricardo P J Budde Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Maria P H Koster Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Arie Franx Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Bart C J M Fauser Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht & University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands

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Eric Boersma Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Daniel Bos Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Joop S E Laven Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Yvonne V Louwers Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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the CREW consortium
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the CREW consortium

Besides age, estrogen exposure plays a crucial role in changes in bone density (BD) in women. Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are conditions in reproductive-aged women in which the exposure to estrogen is substantially different. Women with a history of preeclampsia (PE) are expected to have normal estrogen exposure. Within the CREw-IMAGO study, we investigated if trabecular BD is different in these women because of differences in the duration of estrogen exposure. Trabecular BD was measured in thoracic vertebrae on coronary CT scans. Women with a reduced estrogen exposure (POI) have a lower BD compared to women with an intermediate exposure (PE) (mean difference (MD) −26.8, 95% CI −37.2 to −16.3). Women with a prolonged estrogen exposure (PCOS) have the highest BD (MD 15.0, 95% CI 4.3–25.7). These results support the hypothesis that the duration of estrogen exposure in these women is associated with trabecular BD.

Significance statement

Our results suggest that middle-aged women with PCOS have a higher BD and women with POI have a lower BD. We hypothesized that this is due to either a prolonged estrogen exposure, as seen in women with PCOS, or a reduced estrogen exposure, as in women with POI. In the counseling of women with reproductive disorders on long-term health issues, coronary CT provides a unique opportunity to assess both coronary artery calcium score for cardiovascular screening as well as trabecular BD.

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Małgorzata Kałużna Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland

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Pola Kompf Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland

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Katarzyna Wachowiak-Ochmańska Heliodor Święcicki Clinical Hospital, Poznan, Poland

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Jerzy Moczko Department of Computer Science and Statistics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland

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Aleksandra Królczyk Chair and Department of Gastroenterology, Dietetics and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland

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Adam Janicki Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland

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Karol Szapel Department of Physiotherapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland

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Marian Grzymisławski Chair and Department of Gastroenterology, Dietetics and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland

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Marek Ruchała Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland

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Katarzyna Ziemnicka Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland

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Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) encompasses endocrine, reproductive and metabolic disturbances. Abdominal pain and bowel movement disturbances are common complaints of PCOS patients. It remains uncertain whether the characteristic features of PCOS are associated with an increased incidence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods

In the study, 133 patients with PCOS diagnosed according to international evidence-based guidelines and 72 age- and BMI-matched eumenorrheic controls were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical and hormonal characteristics were collected. The Rome IV criteria were used for IBS diagnosis. Quality of life (QoL) and depressive symptoms were also assessed.

Results

IBS symptom prevalence in PCOS was not significantly different than in controls. Hyperandrogenism and simple and visceral obesity did not appear to affect IBS prevalence in PCOS. There were no anthropometric, hormonal or biochemical differences between IBS-PCOS and non-IBS-PCOS patients, apart from IBS-PCOS patients being slightly older and having lower thyroid-stimulating hormone. Metabolic syndrome (MS) prevalence was higher in IBS-PCOS than non-IBS-PCOS. QoL appears to be significantly lower in IBS-PCOS compared to PCOS-only patients. The occurrence of depression was higher in IBS-PCOS vs non-IBS-PCOS patients. At least one alarm symptom was reported by 87.5% of IBS-PCOS; overall, this group experienced more alarm symptoms than the IBS-only group.

Conclusions

Since a link between PCOS and IBS comorbidity and increased MS prevalence was noted, patients presenting with both conditions may benefit from early MS diagnostics and management. The high incidence of alarm symptoms in PCOS women in this study highlights the need for differential diagnosis of organic diseases that could mimic IBS symptoms.

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Meghnaa Hebbar College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

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Halimah Khalil College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

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Nawal Zia College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

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Jameela Sheikh College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

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Eka Melson University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom

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Meri Davitadze Clinic NeoLab, Tbilisi, Georgia

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Helena Gleeson Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom

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Tejal Lathia Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai, India

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Chitra Selvan Department of Endocrinology, M S Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru, India

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Punith Kempegowda Clinic NeoLab, Tbilisi, Georgia
Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom

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PCOS SEva Working Group
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PCOS SEva Working Group

With increasing evidence of emotional well-being disorders associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), effective screening processes are of utmost importance. We studied the impact of using questionnaires to screen for emotional and psychosexual well-being across different models of care for PCOS. We analysed the data from the surveys to assess the difference in the prevalence of emotional and psychosexual ill-being across ethnicity and region. In this prospective cohort study, we invited all women attending consultations for PCOS in Birmingham, UK, and Bengaluru and Navi Mumbai, India. Those who consented to participate in the study were invited to complete a pre-clinic survey about socio-demographic data, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI), Beliefs about Obese Person scale (BAOP), and Female Sexual Function Index score (FSFI) and a post-clinic survey on clinic experience, lifestyle advice, and specialist referral. A total of 115 women were included in this study. The rate of questionnaire completion was 98.3% (113/115), 97.4% (112/115), 93.04% (107/115), and 84.3% (97/115) for HADS, BICI, BAOP, and FSFI, respectively. In the post-clinic survey, 28.8% reported they were screened for anxiety, 27.1% for depression, and 45.8% for body image concerns. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphic disorder through pre-clinic survey was 56.5% (50.0% UK vs 59.5% India, P = 0.483), 16.5% (13.9% UK vs 17.7% India, P = 0.529), and 29.6% (36.1% UK vs 26.6% India, P = 0.208), respectively. Surveys with validated questionnaires can improve screening for emotional and psychosexual well-being associated with PCOS which may be missed by ad hoc screening during consultations.

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