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Horm Metab Res 2007; 39(8): 617-619
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-984479
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Hyperinsulinemia does not Acutely Enhance Adrenal Androgen Production in Women or Men

K. D. Helm 1 , 2 , C. R. McCartney 1 , 2 , Q. L. Okonkwo 1 , S. K. Blank 1 , 2 , E. J. Barrett 2 , J. C. Marshall 1 , 2
  • 1The Center for Research in Reproduction, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
  • 2Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Further Information

Publication History

received 05.12.2006

accepted 21.02.2007

Publication Date:
21 August 2007 (online)

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Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 4-7% of reproductive aged women, making it the most common female endocrinopathy. Androgen excess is seen in the vast majority of women with PCOS and is thought to be primarily of ovarian origin with an adrenal contribution in 25-60% of cases [1]. The mediator of this dysregulated adrenal steroidogenesis remains unclear, but one possibility is hyperinsulinemia, which occurs in 50-70% of women with PCOS [2] [3]. In vitro studies in normal adrenocortical cells have demonstrated insulin-induced increases in adrenal steroidogenic enzyme mRNA [4]. In vivo studies have yielded conflicting results of insulin's effects on adrenal steroidogenesis. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of acute hyperinsulinemia on adrenal steroidogenesis in healthy adults.

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Correspondence

K. D. Helm

Center for Research in Reproduction

Box 800391

University of Virginia Health System

Charlottesville

22908 Virginia

USA

Phone: +1/434/924 24 31

Fax: +1/434/243 69 13

Email: kh8qy@virginia.edu

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