Basal insulin-like factor 3 levels predict functional ovarian hyperandrogenism in the polycystic ovary syndrome.

Abstract

AIM:

The aims of the study were to understand the association between insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) and functional ovarian hyperandrogenism (FOH) in PCOS and the regulatory role played by LH.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

Fifteen PCOS women were classified as FOH (FOH-PCOS, no.=8) and non-FOH (NFOH-PCOS, no.=7) according to the response of 17OH-progesterone to buserelin (a GnRH analogue) with respect to 15 controls. FOH-PCOS and NFOH-PCOS were compared for basal INSL3 levels. In addition, the effect of buserelin on INSL3 concentrations and the relationship between basal and buserelin-stimulated LH and 17OH-progesterone and INSL3 were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Basal INSL3 levels were higher in FOH-PCOS than NFOH-PCOS (p=0.001) and controls (p=0.001), whereas they did not differ between NFOHPCOS and controls. In addition, FOH-PCOS had a higher response of LH to buserelin with respect to NFOH-PCOS. Within all PCOS women the levels of INSL3 positively correlated with free testosterone (p=0.022) and negatively with SHBG (r= p=0.031). Moreover, positive correlations with the absolute increase of 17OH-progesterone (p<0.001) and with the LH area under the curve (p=0.001) after buserelin administration were found. In the multiple regression analysis INSL3 persisted significantly correlated only with 17OH-progesterone response to buserelin. Finally, INSL3 was not significantly modified after buserelin administration either in FOHPCOS or in NFOH-PCOS.

CONCLUSIONS:

These data suggest that INSL3 is related to FOH in PCOS women, but this association seems not to be mediated by LH, further reinforcing the concept that a pathophysiological heterogeneity for ovarian hyperandrogenism in PCOS exists.

• Authors: A Gambineri, L Patton, O Prontera, F Fanelli, W Ciampaglia, G E Cognigni, U Pagotto, R Pasquali
• Journal: Journal of endocrinological investigation (J Endocrinol Invest) Vol. 34 Issue 9 Pg. 685-91 (Oct 2011) ISSN: 1720-8386 [Electronic] Italy
• PMID: 21586896 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Fertility Agents, Female
• Insulin
• Leydig insulin-like protein
• Proteins
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
• 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone
• Luteinizing Hormone
• Buserelin

Topics

• 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone (metabolism)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Body Mass Index
• Buserelin (metabolism)
• Female
• Fertility Agents, Female (metabolism)
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (analogs & derivatives, metabolism)
• Humans
• Hyperandrogenism (blood, physiopathology)
• Insulin (blood)
• Luteinizing Hormone (metabolism)
• Middle Aged
• Ovary (anatomy & histology, physiopathology)
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (blood, physiopathology)
• Proteins
• Young Adult