The levels of insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective: Recent evidence suggests that insulin-like growth factor system may have pathophysiological implication on polycystic ovary syndrome. To address this issue, we attempted to evaluate the serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Study Design: We evaluated the levels of sex steroids in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, and compared with age-matched controls. Furthermore, any relationship between insulin-like growth factor and sex steroids was investigated. Results: The women with polycystic ovary syndrome had both hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia. The level of insulin-like growth factor-1 was significantly higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome regardless their body mass index. Furthermore, insulin-like growth factor-1 showed significant correlation with the levels of androstenedione, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Conclusion: This study had contradictory results with recent published literature. This may reflect the differences about patient selection, definition of polycystic ovary syndrome, and genetic and regional differences. Large population-based studies are needed to clarify this confusion.