A more atherogenic serum lipoprotein profile is present in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A case-control study

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with a higher frequency of cardiovascular risk factors. Apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and apoB are potent markers for cardiovascular risk. Data on apo levels in women with PCOS are scarce and contradictory. Objective: Our objective was to identify changes in lipid metabolism in women with PCOS, and the relative impact of obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism on lipid parameters. Design: This was a case-control study. Setting: The study was performed at a single referral center. Subjects: PCOS was diagnosed according to the 2003 Rotterdam criteria. Healthy mothers with regular menstrual cycles served as controls. Main Outcome Parameters: Fasting insulin, triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, apoA-I, and apoB were determined. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol was calculated using the Friedewald formula. Results: We included 557 women with PCOS and 295 controls. After correction for age and body mass index, PCOS women had higher median levels of insulin (10.1 vs. 6.9 mU/liter), TGs (95 vs. 81 mg/dl), cholesterol (196 vs. 178 mg/dl), and LDL-cholesterol (125 vs. 106 mg/dl) in combination with lower levels of HDL-cholesterol (46 vs. 55 mg/dl) and apoA-I (118 vs. 146 mg/dl) compared with controls (all P values <= 0.01). apoB levels were similar in cases and controls. Free androgen index, body mass index, SHBG, and estradiol were independent predictors of apoA-I levels in women with PCOS. Conclusions: PCOS is associated with a more pronounced atherogenic lipid profile. Furthermore, obesity and hyperandrogenism contribute to an adverse lipid profile. Finally, PCOS seems to constitute an additional risk factor for an atherogenic lipid profile.