Withania somnifera and Trigonella foenum-graecum as ingredients of testosterone-boosting supplements: Possible clinical implications.

This narrative review provides an overview of scientific studies on dietary supplements that may affect circulating testosterone (T) levels to explore which substances are scientifically proven to increase T concentration. We also review the scientific literature for their potential mechanisms and laboratory test changes triggered by their use. Based on the analysis of existing data on substances used to increase endogenous T levels, especially double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials, we selected 2 herbal extracts with the best documented positive effects on T levels, Withania somnifera root and root extracts/leaves and seed extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum. Although these substances have different postulated mechanisms of action, both significantly increase T levels in men. Withania somnifera may inhibit the effects of cortisol and prolactin on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and directly affect the hypothalamus. Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds contain the active substance diosgenin, which is a precursor for sex hormone synthesis in gonads.

Diagnosis and therapeutic approach to bone health in patients with hypopituitarism.

The results of many studies in recent years indicate a significant impact of pituitary function on bone health. The proper function of the pituitary gland has a significant impact on the growth of the skeleton and the appearance of sexual dimorphism. It is also responsible for achieving peak bone mass, which protects against the development of osteoporosis and fractures later in life. It is also liable for the proper remodeling of the skeleton, which is a physiological mechanism managing the proper mechanical resistance of bones and the possibility of its regeneration after injuries. Pituitary diseases causing hypofunction and deficiency of tropic hormones, and thus deficiency of key hormones of effector organs, have a negative impact on the skeleton, resulting in reduced bone mass and susceptibility to pathological fractures. The early appearance of pituitary dysfunction, i.e. in the pre-pubertal period, is responsible for failure to achieve peak bone mass, and thus the risk of developing osteoporosis in later years. This argues for the need for a thorough assessment of patients with hypopituitarism, not only in terms of metabolic disorders, but also in terms of bone disorders. Early and properly performed treatment may prevent patients from developing the bone complications that are so common in this pathology. The aim of this review is to discuss the physiological, pathophysiological, and clinical insights of bone involvement in pituitary disease.

FTO Gene Polymorphisms and Their Roles in Acromegaly.

The major causes of both morbidity and mortality in patients with acromegaly are cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The polymorphisms of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) are associated with obesity, as well as with an increased risk of CVDs. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship of risk alleles of four FTO gene polymorphisms with selected parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism as well as with IGF-1 and GH levels in the group of patients with acromegaly compared to the control group. The study group consisted of 104 patients with acromegaly and 64 healthy subjects constituting the control group. In the whole acromegaly group, the data reveal that the homozygous for risk allele carriers (rs1421085, rs9930506, rs9939609) as well as carriers of only one risk allele have lower IGF-1 concentrations. In the well-controlled acromegaly group, the homozygous for three risk allele carriers of FTO gene polymorphisms have lower HDL cholesterol concentration (rs1121980, rs1421085, rs993609). In the cured acromegaly group, homozygous risk allele carriers rs9930506 tend to have higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. These associations are not observed in the control group. Conclusion: there is an association between FTO gene polymorphisms and the metabolism of lipids, suggesting that the FTO gene may be associated with higher CVD risk in patients with acromegaly. In addition, there is an association between FTO gene polymorphisms and IGF-1, implying that FTO gene may influence/modify IGF-1 synthesis. Further investigation on a larger scale is required to provide more precise evidence.

Ghrelin and Leptin Concentrations in Patients after SARS-CoV2 Infection.

SARS-CoV2 infection can lead to severe cytokine storm especially in obese patients. Ghrelin acts not only as an appetite regulator but can also play a key role in the immune reaction. Leptin, secreted mainly by the white adipose tissue, can act as a pro-inflammatory cytokine. The crucial question is whether or not the cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients with obesity is linked to adipokine dysregulation. The aim of this study was to assess ghrelin and leptin concentrations in patients 6 months after SARS-CoV2 infection in comparison to a control group considering the influence of sex. The study group included 53 patients with a history of COVID-19 and 87 healthy subjects in the control group. Leptin and ghrelin concentrations as well as hormonal and biochemical parameters were measured. A significantly higher ghrelin concentration was observed in the COVID-19 group in comparison to the control group, with a statistically significant impact of sex on the relationship between COVID-19 and ghrelin concentration, which was lower in the males. No statistically significant differences in leptin concentration were observed between the groups. A significant negative correlation was observed between ghrelin and testosterone and morning cortisol levels in the COVID-19 group. The current study showed that ghrelin levels were significantly higher in patients 6 months after a mild course of SARS-CoV2 infection. To confirm the hypothetical protective role of ghrelin in the inflammatory process, it would be necessary to compare serum ghrelin levels between patients after mild and severe courses of COVID-19. Due to the small sample size and the lack of patients with a severe course of COVID-19, these observations need further investigation. There were no differences in leptin concentrations between the COVID-19 patients and the control group.

Trabecular Bone Score and Osteoprotegerin as Useful Tools in the Assessment of Bone Deterioration in Acromegaly.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) in 61 patients from the acromegaly group (AG) with regard to the activity of the disease in comparison to 42 patients-control group (CG). We also analyzed selected bone markers and their association with BMD and TBS. Materials and Methods: Lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD measurements were performed. TBS values were obtained. Serum concentrations of selected bone markers, including osteoprotegerin (OPG), were measured. Results: We revealed a difference in TBS values between the AG and CG as well as between the TCA (treatment-controlled acromegaly) vs. CG and TCA+CA (cured acromegaly) vs. CG. We did not observe any statistically significant difference in BMD. OPG had a lower concentration in the CG compared to the AG. TBS correlated negatively with OPG in the AG (r = -0.31, p = 0.01) and in the TCA+ CA group (r = -0.3, p = 0.01). Conclusions: The acromegalic patients have altered bone microstructure as indicated by the decreased TBS regardless of the activity of the disease and BMD. OPG could be a marker of the destruction of the bone microstructure, but further studies are needed.

Can dysglycemia in OGTT be predicted by baseline parameters in patients with PCOS?

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, which is the most appropriate way to evaluate dysglycemia in women with PCOS and who are at increased risk are as yet unclear. Aim of the study: To determine the prevalence of T2DM, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in PCOS women and potential factors to identify those at risk. Subjects and methods: The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), biochemical/hormonal profile, and ovarian ultrasound data from 1614 Caucasian women with PCOS and 362 controls were analyzed in this cross-sectional multicenter study. The data were categorized according to age and BMI. Results: Dysglycemia (T2DM, IGT, and IFG according to World Health Organization criteria) was more frequent in the PCOS group compared to controls: 2.2% vs 0.8%, P = 0.04; 9.5% vs 7.4%, P = 0.038; 14.2% vs 9.1%, P = 0.002, respectively. OGTT was essential for T2DM diagnosis, since in 88% of them basal glucose values were inconclusive for diagnosis. The presence of either T2DM or IFG was irrespective of age (P = 0.54) and BMI (P = 0.32), although the latter was associated with IGT (P = 0.021). There was no impact of age and BMI status on the prevalence of T2DM or IFG. Regression analysis revealed a role for age, BMI, fat deposition, androgens, and insulin resistance for dysglycemia. However, none of the factors prevailed as a useful marker employed in clinical practice. Conclusions: One-third of our cohort of PCOS women with either T2DM or IGT displayed normal fasting glucose values but without confirming any specific predictor for dysglycemic condition. Hence, the evaluation of glycemic status using OGTT in all women with PCOS is strongly supported.

The frequency of TLR2 (rs3804099, rs3804100, and rs5743708) and TLR4 (rs4986790 and rs4986791) polymorphisms in women with polycystic ovary syndrome - preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: Low-grade chronic inflammation may participate in PCOS etiology. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) may play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of inflammatory process. We examined TLR2 and TLR4 gene polymorphisms in women with PCOS and their associations with metabolic/hormonal parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-eight women qualified for the study. PCOS was diagnosed in 40 women. The control group consisted of 28 women. All patients underwent anamnesis, physical examination, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical/hormonal assessments. The TLRs gene polymorphism was tested using PCR and the minisequencing method. RESULTS: The frequency of TLR2 gene polymorphisms genotypes (rs3804099, rs3804100, and rs5743708) did not differ significantly between the groups. The difference in frequency of genotypes of TLR4 gene polymorphisms (rs4986790 and rs4986791) was close to the statistical significance level. No significant correlations between TLR2/TLR4 polymorphisms and anthropometric/metabolic parameters in PCOS group were observed. However, the relationship between HDL concentration and TLR2 S450S (rs3804100) polymorphism was close to the statistical significance level. Positive correlations between the two TLR4 polymorphisms (rs4986790 and rs4986791) were found, as well as between the TLR2 S450S (rs3804100) gene polymorphism and FSH concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The TLR4 gene polymorphism may play a role in the PCOS etiopathogenesis but this observation needs further investigation.

Metastasis of adrenocortical carcinoma to the heart.

Not required for Clinical Vignette.

Etiology, baseline clinical profile and comorbidities of patients with Cushing's syndrome at a single endocrinological center.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare phenotype of patients with pituitary, adrenal and ectopic CS and identify the differences regarding biochemical parameters, clinical presentations, and comorbidities in CS patients who were diagnosed at the single endocrinological center in Wroclaw. METHODS: The study population involved 64 patients with CS (53 women and 11 men) diagnosed in Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Isotope Therapy in 2000-2018. Patients were divided into three etiologic groups: pituitary dependent-CS (P-CS) (64%), adrenal dependent CS (A-CS) (25%), and CS from an ectopic source (E-CS) (11%). RESULTS: Percentage of men in the A-CS group was significantly higher than in the other etiologic groups. ACTH, UFC, and cortisol in DST were significantly higher in E-CS group compare to P-CS and A-CS (p < 0.05). Mean potassium level in E-CS group was significantly lower than in P-CS and A-CS (p < 0.05). Median of time elapsed to diagnosis was significantly lower in the E-CS group compared with either the P-CS and the A-CS group (p < 0.01). The most frequently symptoms in CS patients were skin alterations (82.8%), weight gain (81.2%), and hypertension (81.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiology of CS is changing toward a growing proportion of A-CS. All patients with E-CS presented a profound hypokalemia. Salient hypokalemia could be a biochemical marker more suggestive for E-CS rather than P-CS. The incidence of diabetes is more frequent in E-CS group than in P-CS and A-CS groups.

Decreased Trabecular Bone Score in Patients With Active Endogenous Cushing's Syndrome.

Introduction: The impairment in bone microarchitecture and reduced bone quality are relevant mechanisms underlying the increased fracture risk in Cushing's syndrome (CS). The trabecular bone score (TBS) is a relatively novel textural index of bone microarchitecture. Purpose: The objective of the study was to compare TBS, bone mineral density (BMD), and fracture risk in patients with endogenous CS to controls. We have investigated the association of TBS with anthropometric parameters and 25(OH) vitamin D concentrations. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised 19 consecutive patients with CS (14 women and 5 men; mean age 45.84 ± 13.15 years) and sex-, age-matched 36 controls (25 women and men; mean age 52.47 ± 8.98 years). Anthropometric parameters, biochemical and hormonal data were compared between groups. Lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck BMD (LS BMD, FN BMD) measurements were performed. TBS values were obtained from lumbar spine DXA images. Results: TBS was significantly lower in patients with CS compared to controls (p = 0.0002). The 10-year probability of hip fracture and the 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture were significantly higher in the CS group than in controls (p = 0.03, p < 0.0001, respectively). All subjects from the CS group with fractures had low TBS value (degraded microarchitecture). TBS correlated negatively with the duration of disease in patients with CS (r = -0.590 p = 0.008). Conclusions: The patients with active CS have altered bone microstructure as indicated by the decreased TBS and are at higher risk of hip and a major osteoporotic fractures. TBS seems to be a very important analytical tool facilitating fracture risk assessment in endogenous hypercortisolism.

Adropin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) frequently develop metabolic complications. Among the newly found factors responsible for metabolic disorders, adropin seems to be of a great significance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total 134 women aged 17-45 years were enrolled. The PCOS group consisted of 73 women, diagnosed on the basis of Executive Committee of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology - American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ESHRE-ASRM) criteria. All PCOS women presented phenotype A of PCOS. The control group consisted of 61 women with regular menstrual cycles, matched for nutritional status. All women underwent anamnesis, physical examination, anthropometric measurements, abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Serum adropin levels were determined by ELISA. Biochemical [fasting glucose and insulin, oral glucose tolerance test, lipid and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)] and hormonal (testosterone, androstenedione, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and oestradiol) measurements were performed. Insulin resistance indices [(Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI), Matsuda] and free androgen index (FAI) were calculated according to the standard formula. RESULTS: Serum adropin levels were lower in the PCOS group (0.475 ± 0.200 vs. 0.541 ± 0.220, p = 0.069), but the results were not statistically significant. Positive correlations among adropin and androstenedione levels were observed in the PCOS group (r = 0.27, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Women with PCOS have a different metabolic profile in comparison to women without this syndrome. We did not observe a statistically significant difference in adropin concentration between the PCOS and the healthy control group. Therefore, more studies regarding adropin in PCOS are needed.

Serum Vitamin D Binding Protein Level Associated with Metabolic Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women with the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

The objective of the study was to measure the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) and assess their relationships with cardiovascular risk factors in women with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A group of 267 women, aged 20-35 years (24.7 ± 4.9): 167 with PCOS and 100 healthy women were divided according to body mass index. Biochemical and hormonal parameters were measured. Free and bioavailable 25(OH)D were calculated using the mathematical equations. The percentage of body fat and visceral fat deposit were assessed by DXA. In the normal weight control group total, free, bioavailable 25(OH)D (p<0.001 for all) were significantly higher than in its overweight/obese counterpart, while VDBP levels were comparable. In PCOS women total 25(OH)D (p<0.001), and VDBP (p -0.006) were lower in the overweight/obese subgroups than in the normal weight ones. In both groups serum VDBP levels correlated negatively with serum insulin and positively with sex hormone binding globulin. In PCOS group, in contrast to control group, VDPB was negatively correlated with abdominal fat deposit, BMI, fasting glucose and positively with HDL. Despite lower total 25(OH)D in obese PCOS women, all women with PCOS (lean and obese) had comparable free and bioavailable 25(OH)D, which might be a result of concomitantly lowered serum VDBP levels in obese PCOS women. VDBP might play important role in the regulation of availability of active fractions of 25(OH)D in PCOS women. VDBP seems to be associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as BMI, waist circumference, visceral fat, and fasting serum insulin in women with PCOS.

Short stature in genetic syndromes: Selected issues.

Short stature, which is defined as height below 2 standard deviations of the mean height for the age and sex, is one of the most frequent reasons for medical consultations in children. Short stature may occur due to a constitutional delay in growth, familial short stature or chronic diseases, including many genetic syndromes, metabolic and endocrine disorders. In this article the authors provide a mini-review of the most frequent genetic syndromes associated with short stature that should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis process. Syndromes caused by chromosomal aberrations and gene mutations were divided into 2 main groups: syndromes that are associated with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and those in which IUGR does not occur in the natural history of the patient. The authors described the most important anomalies in each syndrome. Metabolic diseases and skeletal dysplasias were omitted, as they are major separate groups of diseases involving growth delay.

Preptin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, frequently develop metabolic complications, such as insulin resistance (IR), impaired carbohydrate metabolism, dyslipidemia, obesity. Among the new markers responsible for metabolic disorders, preptin seems to be of great significance. MATERIAL: One hundred and thirty-four women aged 17-45 were enrolled. PCOS was diagnosed in 73 women on the basis of ESHRE-ASRM criteria. Non-PCOS group consisted of 61 women with regular menstruation matched for nutritional status. METHODS: All women underwent anamnesis, physical examination, anthropometric measurements, the abdominal ultrasound examination, and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Serum adropin levels were determined by ELISA. Biochemical and hormonal (testosterone, androstenedione, LH, FSH, estradiol) measurements were also performed. Insulin resistance indices (HOMA, QUICKI, Matsuda) and free androgen index (FAI) were calculated with the test results according to the standard formula. For all comparisons, statistical significance was defined by p ≤ .05. RESULTS: Serum preptin levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group. No significant correlations between preptin level and metabolic and hormonal markers were observed. The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that serum preptin level was an independent factor differentiating the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Serum preptin levels were significantly higher in women with PCOS compared with controls. This peptide might be an independent predictor of PCOS in the future.

Association of serum glypican-4 levels with cardiovascular risk predictors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome - a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Glypican-4 (Gpc4) is an adipokine which interacts with the insulin receptor and affects insulin sensitivity in proteoglycans. Insulin resistance plays a crucial role in the etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is associated with metabolic disturbances such as abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes. Thus, higher levels of Gpc4 released from visceral adipose tissue in women with PCOS may suggest an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). DESIGN: The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether the serum Gpc4 level is associated with cardiovascular risk predictors in women with PCOS. METHODS: Sixty-two women with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria (20-35 years old) and 43 healthy controls were studied. Cardiovascular risk predictors such as obesity indices, fat deposits according to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, biochemical lipid profile parameters and Homeostasis Model Assessment were estimated. RESULTS: The serum Gpc4 level in PCOS women was significantly higher (2.61 ± 1.17 ng/ml) than in the control group (1.55 ± 0.47 ng/ml) and correlated with waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, total fat and android fat deposit to gynoid fat deposit ratio only in the PCOS group. CONCLUSION: The Gpc4 level was higher in the PCOS group and correlated with CVD risk predictors, especially fat distribution.

Classic PCOS phenotype is not associated with deficiency of endogenous vitamin D and VDR gene polymorphisms rs731236 (TaqI), rs7975232 (ApaI), rs1544410 (BsmI), rs10735810 (FokI): a case-control study of lower Silesian women.

CONTEXT: The role of endogenous vitamin D and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate for the first time in women with "classic" PCOS phenotype and healthy controls the role of the serum endogenous vitamin D level and VDR gene polymorphisms in PCOS etiology. DESIGN: Ninety-two women with "classic" PCOS phenotype and 85 controls from lower Silesia with comparable body mass index (BMI) were studied. In all women the waist circumference, android/gynoid fat deposit, parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism, testosterone, free androgen index, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and vitamin D were evaluated. Also, VDR gene polymorphisms rs731236, rs7975232, rs1544410 and rs10735810 were assessed. RESULTS: Serum vitamin D levels in both groups were comparable. Also high, comparable frequencies of hypovitaminosis and vitamin D deficiency in both groups were observed. Women with "classic" PCOS phenotype had statistically significantly higher values of all measured parameters, except serum SHBG and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, which were lower. The frequency of VDR genotype polymorphism was also comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we show that endogenous vitamin D deficiency and VDR polymorphisms are not associated with homogeneous "classic" PCOS phenotype.

Irisin plasma concentration in PCOS and healthy subjects is related to body fat content and android fat distribution.

Irisin (Ir), a recently identified adipo-myokine, cleaved and secreted from the protein FNDC5 in response to physical activity, has been postulated to induce the differentiation of a subset of white adipocytes into brown fat and to mediate the beneficial effects on metabolic homeostasis. Metabolic syndrome (MS), a cluster of factors leading to impaired energy homeostasis, affects a significant proportion of subjects suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between Ir plasma concentrations and metabolic disturbances. The study group consisted of 179 PCOS patients and a population of 122 healthy controls (both groups aged 25-35 years). A subset of 90 subjects with MS was isolated. A positive association between Ir plasma level and MS in the whole group and in controls was found. In subjects with high adipose body content (>40%), Ir was higher than in lean persons (<30%). Our results showed a significant positive association between Ir concentration and android type of adipose tissue in the whole study group and in the control group. Understanding the role of Ir in increased energy expenditure may lead to the development of new therapeutics for obesity and obesity-related diseases.

Cannabinoid receptor 1 gene polymorphisms and nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and in healthy controls.

Context. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The endocannabinoid system may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Polymorphism of the cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1) may be responsible for individual susceptibility to obesity and related conditions. Objective. To determine the role of genetic variants of CNR1 in the etiopathology of NAFLD in women with PCOS. Design and Setting. Our department (a tertiary referral center) conducted a cross-sectional, case-controlled study. Subjects. 173 women with PCOS (aged 20-35) and 125 healthy, age- and weight-matched controls were studied. Methods. Hepatic steatosis was assessed by ultrasound evaluation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of CNR1 (rs806368, rs12720071, rs1049353, rs806381, rs10485170, rs6454674) were genotyped. Results. Frequency of the G allele of rs806381 (P < 0.025) and the GG genotype of rs10485170 (P < 0.03) was significantly higher in women with PCOS and NAFLD than in PCOS women without NAFLD. Frequency of the TT genotype of rs6454674 was higher in PCOS women with NAFLD (not significantly, P = 0.059). In multivariate stepwise regression, allele G of rs806381 was associated with PCOS + NAFLD phenotype. Conclusion. Our preliminary results suggest the potential role of CNR1 polymorphisms in the etiology of NAFLD, especially in PCOS women.

The influence of endocannabinoid receptor 1 gene variations on anthropometric and metabolic parameters of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with an increasing number of metabolic comorbidities. About 50% of PCOS patients are obese, and insulin resistance affects up to 70% of these women. The endocannabinoid system contributes to human energy homeostasis. CNR1 is a biological candidate for human obesity and related metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between CNR1 polymorphisms and anthropometric and metabolic parameters in PCOS women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 130 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria were recruited. The control group consisted of 70 healthy women. Medical history was taken, and physical examination as well as assessment of anthropometric (body mass, height, waist and hip circumference, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]) and metabolic parameters (glucose and insulin, the insulin resistance index HOMA, lipid profile) was carried out. Genetic studies to detect six CNR1 gene polymorphisms were performed. RESULTS: The total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in PCOS women carrying T/T genotype of rs2023239CNR1 polymorphism were higher than in those with C/T and C/C. There were no statistical differences in other metabolic parameters or in the value of BMI and WHR between the variants of rs2023239 CNR1 polymorphism. The other studied polymorphisms of the CNR1 gene were not associated with anthropometric or metabolic parameters in PCOS women. There were no differences in anthropometric or metabolic parameters between the variants of studied polymorphisms of the CNR1 gene in control women. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our study, it seems that CNR1 polymorphisms are not associated with obesity and metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance, in PCOS women.