Changes in growth factors in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Abstract

Background. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting 10-15% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is often associated with metabolic disorders, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other complications. In recent years, angiogenesis has been widely discussed as an important factor in the pathogenesis of PCOS.Objective. To identify growth factors in women with PCOS compared with healthy women in normal and overweight subgroups.Design and methods. This case-control study carried out at the Almazov National Medical Research Centre (ANMRC) included 45 patients with PCOS (22 women with a body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2 and 23 women with a BMI > 25 kg/m2) and 45 women with normal ovulation (22 women with a BMI < 25 kg/m2 and 23 women with a BMI > 25 kg/m2). Seven growth factors were analyzed in the plasma of patients.Results. Compared to the control group, normal weight women with PCOS had higher plasma levels of EGF (medians were 5.57 and 0 pg/ml, p = 0.040) and FLT3L (medians were 5.0 and 2.25 pg/ml, p = 0.018). Growth factors FGF 2 and TGF alpha were increased in women with PCOS both in overweight and normal weight subgroups (p<0.001).Conclusion. In both overweight and non-overweight groups, women with PCOS show an increase in growth factors.