Oral contraceptives increase platelet microparticle levels in normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Platelet microparticles (PMPs), which are microvesicles shed from platelets, participate in inflammation, vascular homeostasis, and thrombosis. PMPs are increased in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Agents that modulate hormonal aspects of PCOS could affect the levels of PMPs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of oral contraceptives (OCPs), antiandrogen, and metformin use for 6 and 12 months on PMPs in normal-weight women with PCOS.

METHODS:

Forty-five women with PCOS and 13 healthy women were recruited. Biochemical, hormonal, and clinical parameters were recorded. Women with PCOS received treatment with OCPs, OCPs+antiandrogens, or metformin, depending on their main complaint or clinical/biochemical findings. PMPs were measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS:

At baseline, patients with PCOS had higher levels of PMPs than controls (p = 0.017), which increased after 6-month treatment with OCPs (p = 0.006). Subsequently, they decreased after 12-month treatment (p = 0.046). Metformin had no effect on PMP levels.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, PMP levels are increased in PCOS and further increase with OCP use. This effect could possibly contribute to the increased risk of venous thromboembolism associated with OCP use. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the exact role of PMPs in PCOS.

• Authors: Efstathios Papadakis, Maria Sarigianni, Konstantinos Tziomalos, Georgios Mavromatidis, Dimitrios Panidis
• Journal: Hormones (Athens, Greece) (Hormones (Athens)) Vol. 19 Issue 4 Pg. 565-571 (Dec 2020) ISSN: 2520-8721 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 32078734 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Androgen Antagonists
• Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal
• Hypoglycemic Agents
• Metformin

Topics

• Adult
• Androgen Antagonists (pharmacology)
• Blood Platelets (drug effects)
• Cell-Derived Microparticles (drug effects)
• Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal (pharmacology)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Humans
• Hypoglycemic Agents (pharmacology)
• Metformin (pharmacology)
• Outcome Assessment, Health Care
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (drug therapy)
• Young Adult