Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with comorbidities that may contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. PCOS is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, but it remains unclear whether traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors can help predict coronary artery disease in this population.
Objective:The objectives of the study were to detect early-onset subclinical coronary atherosclerosis (using coronary artery calcium as a marker) in young women with PCOS, compared with age-and body mass index-matched controls, and to compare traditional CV risk factors and inflammatory markers in the two groups.Design: This was a prospective case-control study.
Setting:The study was conducted at a university hospital.Subjects: Twenty-four obese (body mass index Ն 30 kg/m 2 ) PCOS subjects and 24 obese controls participated.Outcome Measures: Coronary artery calcium, inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL-6, TNF␣, adiponectin, leptin), fasting blood tests (glucose, lipids, insulin), and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan for body fat distribution were measured.Results: Coronary artery calcium was detected in eight of 24 PCOS subjects (33%) and two of 24 controls (8%) (odds ratio 5.5, 95% confidence interval 1.03, 29.45, P Ͻ 0.03). Traditional CV risk factors did not differ significantly between the two groups, nor did markers of inflammation or adiposity, body fat distribution, or metabolic parameters with the exception of significantly lower quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (marker for insulin resistance) in the PCOS group (P Ͻ 0.05).
Conclusions:Young, obese women with PCOS have a high prevalence of early asymptomatic coronary atherosclerosis, compared with obese controls. This increased risk is independent of traditional CV risk factors and novel markers of inflammation. These findings underscore the need to screen and aggressively counsel and treat these women to prevent symptomatic CV disease.
Although the rate of microscopic metastases to peritoneal tissue is low, random peritoneal biopsies are still indicated in early-stage disease owing to the low morbidity of the procedure and a small but present possibility of upstaging and altered management. Furthermore, systematic peritoneal biopsies ensure careful palpation and examination of all surfaces.
Concurrent increased WT1 and ER-β expression impairs prognosis for women with uterine CS. Further research is warranted to define how relevant pathways interact and whether targeting these pathways improves OS.
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