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Association of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate with endothelial function in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Vascular Laboratory and Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra University Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece

(Correspondence should be addressed to A G Dagre 23 Ikarias Street, 14578 Ekali, Athens, Greece; Email: annadagre{at}hotmail.com)

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess non-invasively endothelial function of young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in comparison with healthy age-matched women and a group of young women with idiopathic hirsutism (IH). The possible role of metabolic and hormonal parameters on endothelial function was also examined.

Design: Descriptive clinical trial.

Methods: Fifty-six women, 27 with PCOS, 16 with IH and 13 healthy age-matched women were studied. Endothelial function of resistance arteries was assessed by venous occlusion plethysmography. Metabolic and hormonal parameters were estimated in this study population.

Results: The duration of reactive hyperemia (durRH) was shorter in PCOS group when compared with normal controls (63.75 ± 13.33 s vs 113.18 ± 20.92 s, P = 0.036). A similar finding was observed when PCOS were compared with IH group (63.75 ± 13.33 s vs 105 ± 17.20 s, P = 0.05). The durRH did not differ between IH and control group (105 ± 17.20 s vs 113.18 ± 20.92 s, ns). A significant positive linear correlation was found between the durRH and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) levels (r = +0.48, P = 0.04) in the PCOS group. The basal insulin resistance index (HOMA) differed significantly between PCOS, IH and control groups. There was no significant correlation between durRH and HOMA index or testosterone levels in the PCOS group.

Conclusions: Endothelial dysfunction may be an early sign of cardiovascular system abnormalities in young PCOS women. It is possible that increased DHEA-S levels may offer a cardioprotective advantage that attenuates the effects of cardiovascular risk factors that accompany PCOS.

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