Polycystic ovary syndrome offspring display increased oxidative stress markers comparable to gestational diabetes offspring

Objective: To study oxidative stress (OS) markers on neonates. The specific aim was to evaluate advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) serum levels along with the hormonal/metabolic profile and their possible relationship in a cohort of polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS(N) and gestational diabetes GDM(N) neonates and their mothers PCOS(M) and GDM(M). Design: Prospective controlled study. Setting: Academic medical center. Patient(s): The study population comprised 151 mother/neonate pairs. Intervention(s): Diet and/or insulin administration in GDM(M). Main Outcome Measure(s): Anthropometric, metabolic, hormonal parameters, and OS markers. Result(s): The AGEs and AOPPs were higher in PCOS(M) and GDM(M) compared with controls (M). The same significant difference was observed in the corresponding groups of neonates. A strong relationship between mothers and neonates regarding AGEs (r = 0.605) and AOPPs levels (r = 0.735) was disclosed. Analogous findings were observed regarding androgens and insulin resistance in mothers and neonates, respectively. Conclusion(s): The present study demonstrated that in PCOS(N), the OS status was similar to that of GDM(N) and strongly associated with their mothers' oxidative status. These findings may have clinical implications, as exposure of PCOS(N) to high OS levels during pregnancy could affect several health issues of neonates. (Fertil Steril (R) 2013;99:943-50. (C) 2013 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)