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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2012; 120(05): 261-265
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1309010
Article
© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Have Increased Plasma Chitotriosidase Activity: A Pathophysiological Link Between Inflammation and Impaired Insulin Sensitivity?

A. Aydogdu
1    Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara/Turkey
,
I. Tasci
2    Department of Internal Medicine, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara/Turkey
,
S. Tapan
3    Department of Biochemistry, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara/Turkey
,
A. Sonmez
1    Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara/Turkey
,
U. Aydogan
4    Department of Family Medicine, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara/Turkey
,
H. Akbulut
4    Department of Family Medicine, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara/Turkey
,
G. Uckaya
1    Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara/Turkey
,
S. Aydogdu
5    Department of Internal Medicine, Mevki Hospital, Ankara/Turkey
,
Y. Basaran
1    Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara/Turkey
,
C. Meric
1    Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara/Turkey
,
A. Taslipinar
1    Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara/Turkey
,
I. Kurt
3    Department of Biochemistry, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara/Turkey
,
O. Azal
1    Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Gulhane School of Medicine, Ankara/Turkey
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 06 November 2011
first decision 21 January 2012

accepted 13 March 2012

Publication Date:
27 April 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Background and Aim:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by insulin resistance. Chronic low grade inflammation has been reported to participate in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Chitotriosidase (ChT), a protein secreted by activated macrophages, has been shown to be involved in chronic inflammatory responses. In the present study, serum chitotriosidase activity and its relationship with insulin resistance were determined in patients with PCOS.

Methods:

34 patients with PCOS and 44 age and body mass index (BMI) matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. ChT activity was measured by the fluorescence method. High sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and adiponectin levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Insulin resistance was calculated by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) formula.

Results:

Plasma ChT activity, hs-CRP level and HOMA-IR score were significantly higher (p=0.024, p=0.002, p=0.001, respectively) while plasma adiponectin concentration was significantly lower (p=0.018) in women with PCOS compared to healthy controls. Blood ChT activity correlated positively with age, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), BMI, hs-CRP, HOMA-IR and negatively with blood adiponectin level. After adjustment for age and BMI, ChT activity, total testosterone level and WHR remained as the independent predictors of HOMA-IR score in logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion:

ChT activity is increased in patients with PCOS in concordance with insulin resistance. These findings may reflect the pronounced risk for metabolic syndrome and atherosclerotic diseases in this particular patient group.

Key words

polycystic ovary syndrome - chitotriosidase activity - inflammation - insulin resistance
 

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