Clinical and biochemical characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome in Korean women

Abstract

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Charts from 251 women with PCOS defined by ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism were reviewed. Sixty-six charts that included liver enzymes determinations were selected for further analysis. All patients had been examined by a single physician (RK). Age, BMI, modified Ferriman-Gallwey (F-G) scores, and endocrine and metabolic data were extracted. Thirteen patients were deemed to have NAFLD based on (1) elevations of AST, ALT, or both, (2) negative hepatitis serology, (3) absence of significant alcohol intake (% 1 drink/week), and (4) abdominal ultrasound demonstrating findings characteristic of NALFD in the absence of biliary tract disease. Fifty-one women with PCOS and normal liver enzymes had sufficient data for comparison. Subjects underwent a 3-hour 100g glucose tolerance test with insulin levels. Area under the curve for insulin was calculated using the trapezoidal rule. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test (with logarithmic transformation when necessary). Significance was determined when p < 0.05. RESULTS: Women with PCOS and NAFLD were significantly more obese, more insulin resistant, and demonstrated higher glycemic levels than those without NAFLD.Mean SHBG concentrations were lower in the NAFLD group. All other physical, metabolic, and endocrine parameters (including androgens, lipids, and gonadotropins) were similar.CONCLUSIONS: NAFLD is common in women with PCOS. Extreme obesity and insulin resistance are the principal risk factors predicting this condition in women with PCOS. Because progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (a risk factor for cirrhosis) is reversible with lifestyle modifications and insulin sensitizers, it may be prudent to assess liver enzymes in all women with PCOS.

Electrochemical cell lysis on a miniaturized flow-through device

“…For these reasons, miniaturization and automation of this technique is highly desirous [2]. The commonly used methods for lysis such as high voltage electroporation [3]; proteinase-K, detergents and lysozyme treatment [4]; laser induced lysis [5]; bead milling and sonication [6] or freeze-thaw in liquid nitrogen [7] are unsuitable for miniaturization and also require additional separation or neutralization steps.…”