Correlations of Insulin Resistance and Serum Testosterone Levels with LH:FSH Ratio and Oxidative Stress in Women with Functional Ovarian Hyperandrogenism

Abstract

Functional ovarian hyperandrogenism (FOH) is a form of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) characterized by elevated circulating levels of androgens derived from the ovary. Insulin resistance (IR) is the most common etiological factor in women with FOH. IR causes the generation of increased oxidative stress (OS) and diminished antioxidant status. OS is directly correlated with both IR and testosterone levels, which consequently contribute to endocrine and biochemical alterations in FOH women. In the current study, elevations in total testosterone, free testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels accompanied by a decrease in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level leading to higher LH:FSH ratio were the prominent endocrine changes observed in women with FOH. A significant increase in fasting blood levels of glucose and insulin, as well as an elevated IR were also seen in FOH women, as compared to their age matched controls. Women with FOH have higher pro-oxidant and lower antioxidant levels in blood than their age matched controls. In FOH women, elevations in LH:FSH ratio and OS are correlated more with hyperandrogenemia than with IR. Of the androgens, free rather than total testosterone has better positive correlations with elevated LH:FSH ratio and OS, and hence, the former is a better predictive marker for the development of biochemical PCOS in women with FOH.

The association of thiol/disulphide homeostasis and lipid accumulation index with cardiovascular risk factors in overweight adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome

“…Suresh et al . recently reported a correlation of both insulin resistance and testosterone levels with oxidative stress in women with functional hyperandrogenism . According to the results of our study, hyperandrogenism in itself, although increased in the PCOS group, does not play a significant role in the increased CVD risk in overweight adolescents with PCOS.…”

“…Suresh et al recently reported a correlation of both insulin resistance and testosterone levels with oxidative stress in women with functional hyperandrogenism. 42 According to the results of our study, hyperandrogenism in itself, although increased in the PCOS group, does not play a significant role in the increased CVD risk in overweight adolescents with PCOS. Thus, we conclude that increased androgen levels may have an influence on oxidative stress, but not alone, rather with the additive effects of other factors such as insulin resistance and overweight status.…”

Selenium Supplementation and the Effects on Reproductive Outcomes, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that a positive association between hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance in females with elevated androgen levels due to PCOS [45,46]. In addition, oxidative stress is directly correlated with both insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, which in turn contribute to endocrine and biochemical alterations in women with functional ovarian hyperandrogenism (FOH) [47]. The present study revealed that taking selenium supplements in PCOS patients for 8 weeks was associated with decreased serum hs-CRP levels, but did not affect plasma NO concentrations.…”

Association of polycystic ovary syndrome with metabolic syndrome and gestational diabetes: Aggravated complication of pregnancy

“…Increased oxidative stress was found to correlate directly with IR as well as serum testosterone and androstenedione levels (30). IR appears to activate the critical enzyme responsible for the synthesis of androgens, cytochrome p450-c17α-hydroxylase, in ovarian theca cells (Fig.…”