Endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance in young women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background/aim: To evaluate whether there is a correlation between insulin resistance and nitric oxide-related endothelial dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Materials and methods: The study was conducted with 25 young women with PCOS and 25 young healthy women, between 18 and 35 years of age. Plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels, serum nitric oxide (NO) levels, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) rates were measured in both the patient and control groups. Results: Plasma ADMA levels were significantly higher in PCOS patients than in the controls (P = 0.001). Serum NO levels were significantly lower in patients than in the controls (P = 0.008). The HOMA-IR rates, accepted as an insulin resistance parameter, were significantly higher in patients than in the controls (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Results of the present study indicate that, independent of age, body mass index, and blood lipid profile, there is significant insulin resistance in PCOS patients. However, no correlation was found between HOMA-IR as an insulin resistance determinant and altered ADMA and NO levels. This finding may indicate that there are additional mechanisms of cardiovascular risks in PCOS patients other than insulin resistance.