Atherogenic dyslipidemia, subclinical atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to explore the relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and small dense lipoprotein (sd-LDL) particles, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in young normal weight PCOS cases. Methods: This prospective, case-control study was designed in a University Hospital and 34 women with PCOS and 21 healthy controls were enrolled. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lipid (including sd-LDL particles) and hormone profiles, abdominal ultrasound and CIMT were evaluated. Results: IR was present in 68% of PCOS group while in none of controls. High density lipoprotein (HDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides (TG), and sd-LDL were higher in patients with IR (p<0.05). A positive correlation of sd-LDL with IR, VLDL and TG was found. A significantly higher rate of NAFLD and CIMT was found in PCOS. Totaltestosterone levels were weakly and positively correlated with CIMT (r=0.277, p=0.041). Conclusion: Insulin resistance and NAFLD are highly prevalent among young normal weight PCOS patients. When compared to controls levels of sd-LDL and CIMT are increased in PCOS. Insulin resistance is the key parameter for NAFLD and atherogenic dyslipidemia in PCOS. Hence, screening for NAFLD may be valuable for detection and prevention of liver disease. Higher levels of sd-LDL in insülin resistant PCOS cases necessiates treating PCOS for IR