Comparison Of The Effects Of Atorvastatin And Simvastatin In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Prospective, Randomized Study

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance (IR), and chronic inflammation. Simvastatin improves endocrine/clinical aspects of PCOS and decreases systemic inflammation in PCOS. There have been no comparative studies carried out regarding the effects of different statin treatment in PCOS. We aimed to assess the effects of two different statin treatments on various metabolic, endocrine, oxidative and inflammatory factors in PCOS.

Design: Prospective, randomized clinical trial

Methods: Sixty-four (64) women with PCOS were included in the study. Group 1 had (atorvastatin, 20lmg daily; n=32) or group 2 had (simvastatin, 20l mg daily n=32). The metabolic, endocrine, inflammatory and oxidative profiles were evaluated.

Results: Group 1 resulted in a significant reduction in the HOMA index and fasting insulin (−26.9±9.6%, −26.2±10.8%, P<0.01, respectively).CRP levels decreased by 63.6±15.9% in group 1 (P<0.01), whereas in the group 2 it decreased by 34.6±10.7% (P<0.05). Serum levels of LH declined by 19.1±4.5% (P<0.05) in the group 1 and by 39.3±11.9% (P<0.01) in the group 2. FAI decreased by −20±9.9% in group 1 (P<0.05) and it decreased by −38.7±13.8% in the group 2 (P<0.01). MDA levels decreased by 32.6±9.6% in group 1 (P<0.05), whereas in the group 2 it decreased by 30.3±10.9% (P<0.01). HOMA index and fasting insulin showed a reduction but not reached statistically significance in the group 2 (8.3±1.9%, 3.0±0.8%, P>0.05, respectively).

Conclusion: Both the statins are effective in reducing inflammation, hyperandrogenemia, oxidative stress and metabolic parameters. While atorvastatin has more noticeable effects on fasting insulin and insulin sensitivity, simvastatin has a dominant effect on total T in PCOS women.

Key words

PCOS - statin - insulin resistance - testosterone - CRP - MDA

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