Is muscle mechanical function altered in polycystic ovary syndrome?

PURPOSE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder of women of reproductive age. The aim of the current study was to assess muscle mechanical function in PCOS and its relationship with hormonal and metabolic features of the syndrome. METHODS: The study included 44 women with PCOS, all having clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, chronic oligo-anovulation and PCOM, and 32 age- and BMI-matched healthy women. Anthropometric, hormonal and biochemical measurements were performed. Muscle mechanical function including lower limb explosive strength and average power (AvP) was measured using isokinetic dynamometry, a valid and reliable instrument for measuring muscle strength. RESULTS: The mean age and BMI of the women with PCOS and controls were 21.8 ± 3.2 versus 22.8 ± 3 years and 26.1 ± 5.4 versus 25.5 ± 5.7 kg/m2, respectively (p = NS for both). PCOS patients had higher androgen levels, whereas total and regional fat and lean body mass and insulin resistance parameters were similar between the groups. The peak muscle force output defined as the peak torque of knee extensor and flexor muscles was higher in normal weight women compared to overweight and obese (p < 0.05 for both) but did not differ in patients and controls. AvP determined by the time-averaged integrated area under the curve at 60°/s angular velocity was higher in the PCOS group for extension and flexion (50.3 ± 21.2 vs 42.1 ± 11.6 and 35.3 ± 27 vs 22.2 ± 11.1, respectively, p < 0.05 for both). These measurements were correlated with bioavailable testosterone (r = 0.29, p = 0.012, r = 0.36, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Muscle mechanical function is altered in PCOS. Women with PCOS have increased average lower limb power that is associated with hyperandrogenism.

Acute long-distance trail running increases serum IL-6, IL-15, and Hsp72 levels.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-15, and heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72) are molecules that have significant metabolic effects on glucose and fat metabolism and a cell's stress response. The aim of this study is to determine serum levels of these molecules in runners after a long-distance trail run. Serum IL-15 levels after such endurance events have not been investigated yet. Blood samples were collected from 37 athletes (11 female, 26 male) before and after a 35-km trail run, with a total climb of 940 m. Serum was obtained from the samples, and IL-6, IL-15, and Hsp72 levels were measured from using the sandwich ELISA method. The athletes completed the race in 308.3 ± 37.4 min on average. After the race, the mean serum IL-6, IL-15, and Hsp72 concentrations increased 13.2-fold, 2.22-fold, and 1.6-fold, respectively (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.039, respectively). This is the first study to demonstrate the increase in serum IL-15 levels following an acute endurance exercise. In addition to IL-15, we report that IL-6 and soluble Hsp72 levels also increased significantly following a 35-km trail run. Since these molecules are involved in regulating glucose and fat metabolism, significant increases of IL-6, IL-15, and soluble Hsp72 may have health benefits that may be associated with long-distance trail runs, which are becoming more popular worldwide.