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Renata C Scalco Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica, Laboratorio de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM/25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular LIM/42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

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Ericka B Trarbach Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica, Laboratorio de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM/25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

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Edoarda V A Albuquerque Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica, Laboratorio de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM/25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

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Thais K Homma Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica, Laboratorio de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM/25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

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Thais H Inoue-Lima Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica, Laboratorio de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM/25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

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Mirian Y Nishi Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular LIM/42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

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Berenice B Mendonca Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular LIM/42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

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Alexander A L Jorge Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica, Laboratorio de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM/25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

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Most patients with Turner syndrome (TS) need hormone replacement therapy because of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism; individual outcomes, however, are highly variable. Our objective was to assess the influence of five estrogen receptor 1 gene (ESR1) polymorphisms (rs543650, rs1038304, rs2046210, rs2234693 and rs9340799) on adult height, breast development, uterine volume and bone mineral density (BMD). We studied 91 TS patients from a tertiary hospital using adult estrogen dose. In our group, ESR1 rs2234693 was associated with femoral neck and total hip BMD, and it accounted for around 10% of BMD variability in both sites (P < 0.01). Patients homozygous for C allele in this polymorphism had significantly lower femoral neck BMD (0.699 ± 0.065 g/cm2 vs 0.822 ± 0.113 g/cm2, P = 0.008) and total hip BMD (0.777 ± 0.118 g/cm2 vs 0.903 ± 0.098 g/cm2, P = 0.009) than patients homozygous for T allele. The other four ESR1 polymorphisms were not able to predict any of the above estrogen therapy outcomes in an isolated manner. Patients homozygous for the haplotype GCG formed by polymorphisms rs543650, rs2234693 and rs9340799 had an even more significantly lower femoral neck BMD (0.666 ± 0.049 vs 0.820 ± 0.105 g/cm2, P = 0.0047) and total hip BMD (0.752 ± 0.093 vs 0.908 ± 0.097 g/cm2, P = 0.0029) than patients homozygous for haplotypes with a T allele in rs2234693. In conclusion, homozygosity for C allele in ESR1 rs2234693 and/or for GCG haplotype appears to be associated with lower femoral neck and total hip BMD. We believe that the identification of polymorphisms related to estrogen outcomes may contribute to individualization of treatment in TS.

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Jan Roar Mellembakken Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway

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Azita Mahmoudan Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway

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Lars Mørkrid Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway

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Inger Sundström-Poromaa Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

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Laure Morin-Papunen Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Oulu, University of Oulu, Medical Research Centre Oulu and PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland

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Juha S Tapanainen Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Oulu, University of Oulu, Medical Research Centre Oulu and PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

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Terhi T Piltonen Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Oulu, University of Oulu, Medical Research Centre Oulu and PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland

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Angelica Lindén Hirschberg Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden

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Elisabet Stener-Victorin Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

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Eszter Vanky Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, UK
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, St. Olav’s Hospital, Trondheim, Norway

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Pernille Ravn Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Richard Christian Jensen Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Marianne Skovsager Andersen Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Dorte Glintborg Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Objective

Obesity is considered to be the strongest predictive factor for cardio-metabolic risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of the study was to compare blood pressure (BP) in normal weight women with PCOS and controls matched for age and BMI.

Methods

From a Nordic cross-sectional base of 2615 individuals of Nordic ethnicity, we studied a sub cohort of 793 normal weight women with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (512 women with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria and 281 age and BMI-matched controls). Participants underwent measurement of BP and body composition (BMI, waist-hip ratio), lipid status, and fasting BG. Data were presented as median (quartiles).

Results

The median age for women with PCOS were 28 (25, 32) years and median BMI was 22.2 (20.7, 23.4) kg/m2. Systolic BP was 118 (109, 128) mmHg in women with PCOS compared to 110 (105, 120) mmHg in controls and diastolic BP was 74 (67, 81) vs 70 (64, 75) mmHg, both P < 0.001. The prevalence of women with BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg was 11.1% (57/512) in women with PCOS vs 1.8% (5/281) in controls, P < 0.001. In women ≥ 35 years the prevalence of BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg was comparable in women with PCOS and controls (12.7% vs 9.8%, P = 0.6). Using multiple regression analyses, the strongest association with BP was found for age, waist circumference, and total cholesterol in women with PCOS.

Conclusions

Normal weight women with PCOS have higher BP than controls. BP and metabolic screening are relevant also in young normal weight women with PCOS.

Open access
Mírian Romitti Thyroid Unit, Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

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Vitor C Fabris Gynecological Endocrinology Unit, Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, and Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

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Patricia K Ziegelmann Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology and Department of Statistics, Institute of Mathematics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

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Ana Luiza Maia Thyroid Unit, Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

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Poli Mara Spritzer Gynecological Endocrinology Unit, Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, and Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. PCOS has been associated with distinct metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and with autoimmune conditions, predominantly autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). AITD has been reported in 18–40% of PCOS women, depending on PCOS diagnostic criteria and ethnicity. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the available evidence regarding the likelihood of women with PCOS also having AITD in comparison to a reference group of non-PCOS women. We systematically searched EMBASE and MEDLINE for non-interventional case control, cross-sectional or cohort studies published until August 2017. The Ottawa–Newcastle Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of studies. Statistical meta-analysis was performed with R. Thirteen studies were selected for the present analysis, including 1210 women diagnosed with PCOS and 987 healthy controls. AITD was observed in 26.03 and 9.72% of PCOS and control groups respectively. A significant association was detected between PCOS and chance of AITD (OR = 3.27, 95% CI 2.32–4.63). Notably, after geographical stratification, the higher risk of AITD in PCOS women persisted for Asians (OR = 4.56, 95% CI 2.47–8.43), Europeans (OR = 3.27, 95% CI 2.07–5.15) and South Americans (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.05–3.29). AIDT is a frequent condition in PCOS patients and might affect thyroid function. Thus, screening for thyroid function and thyroid-specific autoantibodies should be considered in patients with PCOS even in the absence of overt symptoms. This systematic review and meta-analysis is registered in PROSPERO under number CRD42017079676.

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Krzysztof C Lewandowski Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital–Research Institute, Lodz, Poland

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Justyna Płusajska Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital–Research Institute, Lodz, Poland

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Wojciech Horzelski Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland

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Ewa Bieniek Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital–Research Institute, Lodz, Poland

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Andrzej Lewiński Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital–Research Institute, Lodz, Poland

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Background

Though insulin resistance (IR) is common in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), there is no agreement as to what surrogate method of assessment of IR is most reliable.

Subjects and methods

In 478 women with PCOS, we compared methods based on fasting insulin and either fasting glucose (HOMA-IR and QUICKI) or triglycerides (McAuley Index) with IR indices derived from glucose and insulin during OGTT (Belfiore, Matsuda and Stumvoll indices).

Results

There was a strong correlation between IR indices derived from fasting values HOMA-IR/QUICKI, r = −0.999, HOMA-IR/McAuley index, r = −0.849 and between all OGTT-derived IR indices (e.g. r = −0.876, for IRI/Matsuda, r = −0.808, for IRI/Stumvoll, and r = 0.947, for Matsuda/Stumvoll index, P < 0.001 for all), contrasting with a significant (P < 0.001), but highly variable correlation between IR indices derived from fasting vs OGTT-derived variables, ranging from r = −0.881 (HOMA-IR/Matsuda), through r = 0.58, or r = −0.58 (IRI/HOMA-IR, IRI/QUICKI, respectively) to r = 0.41 (QUICKI/Stumvoll), and r = 0.386 for QUICKI/Matsuda indices. Detailed comparison between HOMA-IR and IRI revealed that concordance between HOMA and IRI was poor for HOMA-IR/IRI values above 75th and 90th percentile. For instance, only 53% (70/132) women with HOMA-IR >75th percentile had IRI value also above 75th percentile. There was a significant, but weak correlation of all IR indices with testosterone concentrations.

Conclusions

Significant number of women with PCOS can be classified as being either insulin sensitive or insulin resistant depending on the method applied, as correlation between various IR indices is highly variable. Clinical application of surrogate indices for assessment of IR in PCOS must be therefore viewed with an extreme caution.

Open access
A Daniel Bird Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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Spencer Greatorex Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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David Reser Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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Gareth G Lavery Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, 2nd Floor IBR Tower, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK

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Timothy J Cole Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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Steroid hormones play clinically important and specific regulatory roles in the development, growth, metabolism, reproduction and brain function in human. The type 1 and 2 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes (11β-HSD1 and 2) have key roles in the pre-receptor modification of glucocorticoids allowing aldosterone regulation of blood pressure, control of systemic fluid and electrolyte homeostasis and modulation of integrated metabolism and brain function. Although the activity and function of 11β-HSDs is thought to be understood, there exists an open reading frame for a distinct 11βHSD-like gene; HSD11B1L, which is present in human, non-human primate, sheep, pig and many other higher organisms, whereas an orthologue is absent in the genomes of mouse, rat and rabbit. We have now characterised this novel HSD11B1L gene as encoded by 9 exons and analysis of EST library transcripts indicated the use of two alternate ATG start sites in exons 2 and 3, and alternate splicing in exon 9. Relatively strong HSD11B1L gene expression was detected in human, non-human primate and sheep tissue samples from the brain, ovary and testis. Analysis in non-human primates and sheep by immunohistochemistry localised HSD11B1L protein to the cytoplasm of ovarian granulosa cells, testis Leydig cells, and gonadatroph cells in the anterior pituitary. Intracellular localisation analysis in transfected human HEK293 cells showed HSD1L protein within the endoplasmic reticulum and sequence analysis suggests that similar to 11βHSD1 it is membrane bound. The endogenous substrate of this third HSD enzyme remains elusive with localisation and expression data suggesting a reproductive hormone as a likely substrate.

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Milène Tetsi Nomigni INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France
INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France

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Sophie Ouzounian INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France

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Alice Benoit INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France

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Jacqueline Vadrot INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France

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Frédérique Tissier INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France

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Sylvie Renouf INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France
INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France

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Hervé Lefebvre INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France
INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France
INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France

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Sophie Christin-Maitre INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France
INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France

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Estelle Louiset INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France
INSERM, University of Rouen, Department of Endocrinology, Departments of Endocrinology, Pathology, Department of Pathology, Department of Endocrinology, INSERM, U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont‐Saint‐Aignan, France

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Hirsutism induced by hyperandrogenism can be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, 21-hydroxylase (OH) deficiency or androgen-secreting tumors, including ovarian and adrenal tumors. Adrenal androgen-secreting tumors are frequently malignant. Adrenal oncocytomas represent rare causes of hyperandrogenism. The aim of the study was to investigate steroidogenic enzyme expression and steroid secretion in an androgen-secreting adrenal oncocytoma in a young woman presenting with hirsutism. Hyperandrogenism was diagnosed on the basis of elevated plasma Δ4-androstenedione and testosterone levels. Pelvic ultrasound was normal, CT scanning revealed a right adrenal mass. Androgens were assessed in adrenal and ovarian vein samples and proved a right adrenal origin. Adrenalectomy normalized androgen levels and the adrenal tumor was diagnosed as an oncocytoma. Real time-PCR, immunohistochemistry and cell culture studies were performed on tumor explants to investigate the steroid secretion profile. Among enzymes required for cortisol synthesis, 17α-OH and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (3β-HSD2) were highly expressed whereas 21-OH and 11β-OH were weakly produced at the mRNA and/or protein levels. Enzymes involved in testosterone production, 17β-HSD5 and 17β-HSD3, were also detected. ACTH receptor was present in the tissue. Cortisol, Δ4-androstenedione and testosterone secretions by cultured cells were increased by ACTH. These results provide the first demonstration, to our knowledge, of abnormal expression profile of steroidogenic enzymes in an adrenocortical oncocytoma. Our results also indicate that Δ4-androstenedione hypersecretion resulted from high 17α-OH and 3β-HSD2 expression in combination with low expression of 21-OH and 11β-OH. Testosterone production was ascribed to occurrence of 17β-HSD5 and 17β-HSD3. Finally, our results indicate that androgen secretion was stimulated by ACTH.

Open access
M A Webb NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
The Leicester Diabetes Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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H Mani Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
Diabetes and Endocrinology Department, Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Kettering, UK

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S J Robertson The Leicester Diabetes Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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H L Waller Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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D R Webb NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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C L Edwardson NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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D H Bodicoat NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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T Yates NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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K Khunti NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
The Leicester Diabetes Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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M J Davies NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
The Leicester Diabetes Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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Aims

Physical activity has been proposed to be an effective non-pharmacological method of reducing systemic inflammation and therefore may prove particularly efficacious for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who have been shown to have high levels of inflammation and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess whether modest changes in daily step count could significantly reduce levels of inflammatory markers in women with PCOS.

Subjects and Methods

Sixty-five women with PCOS were assessed at baseline and again at 6 months. All had been provided with an accelerometer and encouraged to increase activity levels. Multivariate linear regression analyses (adjusted for age, ethnicity, baseline step count, change in BMI and change in accelerometer wear-time) were used to assess changes in daily step count against clinical and research biomarkers of inflammation, CVD and T2DM.

Results

Mean step count/day at baseline was 6337 (±270). An increase in step count (by 1000 steps) was associated with a 13% reduction in IL6 (β: −0.81 ng/L; 95% CI, −1.37, −0.25, P = 0.005) and a 13% reduction in CRP (β: −0.68 mg/L; 95% CI, −1.30, −0.06, P = 0.033). Additionally, there was a modest decrease in BMI (β: 0.20 kg/m2; 95% CI, −0.38, −0.01, P = 0.038). Clinical markers of T2DM and CVD were not affected by increased step count.

Conclusions

Modest increases in step count/day can reduce levels of inflammatory markers in women with PCOS, which may reduce the future risk of T2DM and CVD.

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Xia Wu Department of Endocrinology, Jing’an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai (Huashan Hospital Fudan University Jing’an Branch), Shanghai, China

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Zhiling Li Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China

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Wenjiang Sun Department of Rehabilitation, Shanghai General Hospital, Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China

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Huan Zheng Department of Cardiology, Worldpath Clinic International, Shanghai, China

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women. Hyperhomocysteinemia (H-Hcy) is closely related to arterial stiffness (AS) in patients with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum homocysteine(Hcy) level and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in Chinese women with PCOS. A total of 124 PCOS women were enrolled and divided into two groups according to their baPWV values: normal, baPWV < 1400 cm/s and high AS, baPWV ≥ 1400 cm/s. Univariate analysis was performed to investigate the relative factors for baPWV, and multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of Hcy with baPWV. The group with high AS (n = 35) had higher Hcy levels than the other group (n = 89; P < 0.05). Moreover, univariate analysis revealed that serum Hcy was positively correlated with baPWV (r = 0.133, P < 0.01). In multiple regression analysis, the age-adjusted serum Hcy level was positively correlated with baPWV (β = 0.201, P < 0.01). It remained positively associated with baPWV (β = 0.145, P < 0.01) after further adjustments for age, BMI, PCOS duration, systolic blood pressure, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance as well as several other factors correlated with baPWV. Our results demonstrated that H-Hcy was significantly and independently related to elevated baPWV, suggesting that Hcy might play a role in the pathologic process of AS in women with PCOS. Further researches with more subjects are needed to explore whether Hcy would be a promising biomarker for the stratification management of PCOS women.

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

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Agnieszka Nomejko Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Pedagogical and Historical Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland

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Aleksandra Słowińska Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Pedagogical and Historical Sciences, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland

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Katarzyna Wachowiak-Ochmańska Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases Ward, Heliodor Swiecicki University Hospital, Poznan, Poland

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Katarzyna Pikosz Department of Pharmacognosy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland

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

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

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Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multi-symptom disorder linked with a range of metabolic and hormonal disturbances. Psychological and sexual aspects of PCOS also need to be considered.

Objective of the study

This study aimed to assess sexual satisfaction (SS) in PCOS patients and eumenorrheic controls (CON). The relationships between SS, depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and hormonal and metabolic profiles were evaluated.

Methods

In this study, 190 patients with PCOS (mean age 26.34 ± 5.47 years) and 197 age-matched CON (mean age 27.12 ± 4.97 years) were enrolled. All subjects completed Polish version of the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (SSQ), WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R) questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were collected to assess hormonal, lipid, and glucose profiles. Anthropometric measures were collected. Metabolic syndrome (MS) was evaluated according to the IDF-AHA/NHLBI criteria.

Results

Patients with PCOS and MS had lower SS vs non-MS-PCOS. There were no significant differences in the level of SS, presence of depressive symptoms, or HRQoL between PCOS and CON (P > 0.05). Negative correlations were found between the SS level and BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio in PCOS women. However, overweight or obese PCOS women did not differ in SS levels vs normal-weight PCOS patients. The social dimension of WHOQOL-BREF was the only significant predictor of SS in PCOS patients.

Conclusions

SS in PCOS women appears to be undisturbed. However, MS in PCOS patients could negatively influence SS. The level of SS should be assessed in PCOS women, especially if MS is present.

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Sebastião Freitas de Medeiros Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil

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Márcia Marly Winck Yamamoto Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil

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Matheus Antônio Souto de Medeiros Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil

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Bruna Barcelo Barbosa Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil

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José Maria Soares Junior Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

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Edmund Chada Baracat Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

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Objective

To verify whether aging can modify the clinical and biochemical characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Material and methods

This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the reproductive endocrinology clinics of Julio Muller University Hospital and Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil, between 2003 and 2017. Both, 796 PCOS and 444 non-PCOS normal cycling women underwent the same examination. PCOS was diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria as recommended for adolescent and adult subjects. Anthropometric, metabolic, and endocrinological modifications with aging were initially examined in the two groups: control and PCOS. Further analyses were performed after a 5-year age stratification of data throughout the reproductive period. All participants signed a consent form approved by the local ethical committee.

Results

Biomarkers of adiposity were more remarkable in African descendant PCOS women. Body weight, waist/hip ratio, fat mass, and BMI were higher in PCOS women and tended to increase at all 5 age-strata, between ≤19 and 35 years of age. Serum androgen levels decreased with aging, markedly in PCOS subjects (P < 0.01 for all age-strata comparisons), but remained elevated when compared with the levels found in controls. Carbohydrate markers, triglycerides, and total cholesterol tended to increase over time in PCOS (P < 0.01 for all age-strata comparisons). Total cholesterol also tended to increase with age in non-PCOS women (P = 0.041).

Conclusion

The present study has shown that the advancing age influences many features of PCOS women. Biochemical hyperandrogenism, the core criterion recommended in the current systems to define the syndrome, showed statistically significant tendencies to decrease with aging progression but did not normalize. The use of age-adjusted features for the diagnosis of PCOS are recommended.

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