Association between Biomarkers of Low-grade Inflammation and Sex Hormones in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Objective Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher circulating levels of C-reactive protein, but the relationship between inflammation and endocrine function in PCOS remains poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between low-grade inflammation and sex hormones in women with PCOS. Design and Patients A comprehensive panel of biomarkers of inflammation was measured in serum of 63 women with PCOS using proximity extension assay technology. Associations of 65 biomarkers with sex hormones were assessed without and with adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI). Results In the unadjusted analysis, 20 biomarkers were positively correlated with 17-OH-progesterone (17-OH-P), 14 with prolactin and 6 with free testosterone, whereas inverse associations were found for 16 biomarkers with sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), 6 with luteinizing hormone (LH) and 6 with estrogen (all p<0.05). Among the positive associations, correlations were mainly found for five chemokines (CXCL11, CCL4, MCP-4/CCL13, CXCL5, CXCL6) and for VEGF-A, LAP-TGFβ1, TNFSF14 and MMP-1. Inverse associations with sex hormones were mainly present for two chemokines (CXCL1, MCP-2/CCL8), CDCP1, CST5 and CSF-1. Adjustment for age and BMI reduced the number of biomarker associations for SHBG and estrogen, but had hardly any impact on associations with 17-OH-P, prolactin, free testosterone and LH. Conclusion Women with PCOS feature BMI-independent associations between biomarkers of inflammation and certain sex steroid and hypophyseal hormones. Most of these inflammation-related biomarkers were chemokines, which may be relevant as potential mediators of the increased cardiometabolic risk of women with PCOS.

Higher testosterone is associated with increased inflammatory markers in women with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: preliminary results from an observational study

“…The evidence in female is scanty and contradictory. In women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the androgen excess is associated with a pro-inflammatory status [ 23 , 24 ]. Furthermore, in the context of some autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, women with lower number of CAG repeats in the androgen receptor gene, that confers higher androgen sensitivity, develop a more severe clinical course [ 25 ].…”

Identification of key genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian cancer using an integrated bioinformatics analysis

“…High androgen levels could mediate a series of important genes, including TFAP2A, ETS1, ELK1, ERG, FLI1 and SPI1, to increase NR4A1 levels in PCOS [ 43 ]. CXCL11 expression was significantly and obviously correlated with prolactin and 17-OH-progesterone levels in PCOS [ 44 ]. Based on previous studies and our study, we were able to obtain only limited information about the 12 key genes involved in OC patient survival and pathophysiological changes in PCOS patients.…”

Might female patients benefit more from bariatric surgery with respect to inflammation

“…The reduction of adipose tissue could decrease the secretion of inflammatory adipokines and lower the infiltration of bone marrow-derived immune cells which produce cytokines and chemokines ( 28 ). Besides, sex hormones might be one possible factor influencing inflammation ( 29 ). Before menopause, females had a stronger inflammatory response with a significant peak level of NLR in their 30s ( 14 , 30 ).…”