Metanephrine and Normetanephrine Urine Excretion in Patients with PCOS

Abstract

Aims: The present study aims to investigate the association between catecholamine metabolites (normetanephrine [NMN] and metanephrine [MN]) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and its clinical manifestations. Materials and methods: A total of 60 female patients (18-37 years) were included in the study. Twenty-five healthy women and 35 patients with PCOS provided blood and urine samples. Anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal parameters, e.g. immunoreactive insulin, total testosterone, gonadotropins, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) have been investigated. Twenty-four-hour urinary metanephrines (MN and NMN) were measured by radioimmunoassay technique. Results: MN and NMN showed a strong positive correlation (r = +0.645, p < 0.001) in women with PCOS, but nephrines were not significantly associated with the hormonal, anthropometric, and metabolic parameters of the patients (p > 0.05 for all). No differences in urinary nephrines concentrations between women with PCOS and healthy individuals after adjustment for age and BMI were established. However, lower 24-hour urinary MN levels predicted the development of menstrual irregularity after adjustment for age and BMI (OR = 1,015 [95% CI 1,001-1,029], p = 0,036). Conclusions: Adrenomedullary dysfunction might influence the development of chronic anovulation in young women.

Plasma-free metanephrines, nerve growth factor, and renalase significance in patients with PCOS

“…In contrast to increased plasma-free NMN in PCOS patients, our former study did not find differences in urine NMN excretion between PCOS patients and controls [ 21 ]. Thus, increased subsequent NMN conversion to other metabolites might be suggested, but further studies are needed to test that hypothesis.…”

“…Physical assessment, including height, weight, body mass index (BMI), presence of hirsutism and/or acne, as well as blood pressure, was performed in all women. In addition, blood samples for biochemical and hormonal assays were taken in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle between 08.00 and 09.00 a.m. after an overnight fast, in a supine position after a 30-min rest as previously described [ 21 , 22 ]. All participants gave written informed consent for participation.…”