Body mass index stratified meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies of polycystic ovary syndrome in women of European ancestry.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex multifactorial disorder with a substantial genetic component. However, the clinical manifestations of PCOS are heterogeneous with notable differences between lean and obese women, implying a different pathophysiology manifesting in differential body mass index (BMI). We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from six well-characterised cohorts, using a case-control study design stratified by BMI, aiming to identify genetic variants associated with lean and overweight/obese PCOS subtypes. RESULTS: The study comprised 254,588 women (5,937 cases and 248,651 controls) from individual studies performed in Australia, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands and United States of America, and separated according to three BMI stratifications (lean, overweight and obese). Genome-wide association analyses were performed for each stratification within each cohort, with the data for each BMI group meta-analysed using METAL software. Almost half of the total study population (47%, n = 119,584) were of lean BMI (≤ 25 kg/m2). Two genome-wide significant loci were identified for lean PCOS, led by rs12000707 within DENND1A (P = 1.55 × 10-12) and rs2228260 within XBP1 (P = 3.68 × 10-8). One additional locus, LINC02905, was highlighted as significantly associated with lean PCOS through gene-based analyses (P = 1.76 × 10-6). There were no significant loci observed for the overweight or obese sub-strata when analysed separately, however, when these strata were combined, an association signal led by rs569675099 within DENND1A reached genome-wide significance (P = 3.22 × 10-9) and a gene-based association was identified with ERBB4 (P = 1.59 × 10-6). Nineteen of 28 signals identified in previous GWAS, were replicated with consistent allelic effect in the lean stratum. There were less replicated signals in the overweight and obese groups, and only 4 SNPs were replicated in each of the three BMI strata. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic variation at the XBP1, LINC02905 and ERBB4 loci were associated with PCOS within unique BMI strata, while DENND1A demonstrated associations across multiple strata, providing evidence of both distinct and shared genetic features between lean and overweight/obese PCOS-affected women. This study demonstrated that PCOS-affected women with contrasting body weight are not only phenotypically distinct but also show variation in genetic architecture; lean PCOS women typically display elevated gonadotrophin ratios, lower insulin resistance, higher androgen levels, including adrenal androgens, and more favourable lipid profiles. Overall, these findings add to the growing body of evidence supporting a genetic basis for PCOS as well as differences in genetic patterns relevant to PCOS BMI-subtype.

Prospective Cohort Study Quantifying the Effect of the LevaLap 1.0 on the Distance between the Abdominal Wall and Intra-abdominal Viscera.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: More than 13 million laparoscopic procedures are performed globally every year. The LevaLap 1.0 device may facilitate safe abdominal access when using the Veress needle for initial abdominal insufflation during laparoscopic surgery. We undertook this study to test the hypothesis that use of the LevaLap 1.0 would increase the distance from the abdominal wall to underlying viscera and the retroperitoneum, including from major vessels. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Referral center. PATIENTS: Eighteen patients scheduled to undergo an interventional radiology procedure under general anesthesia and muscle relaxation. INTERVENTIONS: Application of the LevaLap 1.0 device on the umbilicus and on Palmer's point, during computed tomography scanning. MEASUREMENTS: Distance from the abdominal wall to the underlying bowel and to retroperitoneal blood vessels and more distant intra-abdominal organs before and after vacuum was applied to the LevaLap 1.0. MAIN RESULTS: The device did not significantly increase the distance from the abdominal wall to the immediate underlying bowel. Alternatively, the LevaLap 1.0 created a significant increase in the distance between the abdominal wall at the access point and more distant intra-abdominal organs at the umbilicus and at Palmer's point (mean ± SD: +3.91 ± 2.32 cm, p = .001, and +3.41 ± 3.12 cm, p = .001, respectively). At the umbilicus, the device increased the distance between the abdominal wall and the anterior wall of the vena cava by +5.32 ± 1.22 cm (p = .004) or the anterior wall of the aorta by 5.49 ± 1.40 cm (p = .004). At Palmer's point, the device increased the distance between the anterior abdominal wall and the colon and/or small bowel by 2.13 ± 1.81 cm (p = .023). No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The LevaLap 1.0 increased the distance between abdominal wall and major retroperitoneal blood vessels by >5 cm, promoting safer access during Veress needle insufflation when performing laparoscopic surgery.

Natural history of polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review of cardiometabolic outcomes from longitudinal cohort studies.

OBJECTIVE: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a worsened metabolic profile but the progression of cardiometabolic features over time is unclear. Understanding this natural history is a key priority in PCOS research and vital for guiding the prevention and management of this common condition. We explored cardiometabolic changes that are observed in women with PCOS compared to those without PCOS across the life course. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: A systematic review of longitudinal cohort studies was conducted across MEDLINE, EMBASE, Ovid PsycInfo, CINAHL PLUS and EBM reviews between 15 January 2020 and 11 February 2021. Eligible studies included participants with or without PCOS diagnosed according to the 2003 Rotterdam or the 1990 National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria. We included studies that were published from the year 1990 to 2021 with data on cardiometabolic outcomes as per the PCOS core outcomes set. RESULTS: There were 31 longitudinal studies with 28,316 participants from four continents. At the start of follow up, participants were aged between 1 year and 49 years with a follow-up period ranging from 2 to 32 years. Changes in BMI and the risk of coronary heart disease were similar in adult women with and without PCOS. Women with PCOS had a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes than their non-PCOS counterparts. Evidence for the majority of all other outcomes was conflicting and with inadequate data. CONCLUSION: Understanding the natural history of PCOS and particularly changes in cardiometabolic features remains challenging. Existing literature is extensive but heterogeneous and inconsistent. Longitudinal studies in unselected populations are needed to provide high-quality data in this area.

Where are we in understanding the natural history of polycystic ovary syndrome? A systematic review of longitudinal cohort studies.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the natural history of reproductive, psychological and oncological features in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in comparison to those without PCOS across the life course? SUMMARY ANSWER: Existing longitudinal data on changes in reproductive, psychological and oncological features in PCOS are inadequate and conflicting, but the limited evidence suggests that total testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels decline more significantly in women with PCOS than in those without PCOS, and the risk of gestational diabetes is higher in pregnant women with PCOS compared to their counterparts without PCOS. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The progression of reproductive, psychological and oncological features in PCOS remains unclear, which limits prevention and early diagnosis strategies across the lifespan. Understanding the natural history of PCOS is one of the overarching priorities in PCOS research. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This is a systematic review of longitudinal cohort studies with a narrative presentation of findings. Databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Ovid PsycInfo, CINAHL PLUS and EBM reviews were searched between 15 January 2020 and 11 February 2021 with no language restrictions. Only studies published from the year 1990 to February 2021 were included. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: In line with current guidelines for the assessment and management of PCOS, we included studies where participants were females with PCOS diagnosed according to the 2003 Rotterdam or the 1990 National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus criteria. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A total of 21 longitudinal studies including 62 123 participants over four continents reported reproductive, psychological and/or oncological outcomes. Participants were females aged between 15 and 49 years at baseline, with follow-up periods ranging from 4 weeks to 32 years. Consistent evidence based on limited studies suggests that total T and DHEAS levels decline to a greater degree in women with PCOS compared to those without PCOS, and the risk gestational diabetes is higher in women with PCOS than in those without PCOS. Evidence reporting changes over time in the majority of the remaining outcomes was unclear due to conflicting and/or insufficient information. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: There was extreme heterogeneity between studies in terms of study setting, population characteristics, follow-up period, effect measures used and laboratory testing approaches. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Understanding the natural history of PCOS and changes in diagnostic, reproductive, psychological and oncological features of PCOS across the lifespan is still a challenge and the existing literature is both limited and conflicting. It is important that future long-term prospective longitudinal studies are conducted in unselected and well-characterized populations. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This specific study was not funded. S.K. is supported by scholarships from the Research Training Program of the Commonwealth of Australia and Monash University; H.J.T. is supported by an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council fellowship; and A.E.J. is supported by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council's Centre for Research Excellence in Women's Health in Reproductive Life. R.A. was employed by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and is a consultant to Spruce Biosciences and Fortress Biotech. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. REGISTRATION NUMBER: Prospero registration number: CRD42020165546.

Comprehensive evaluation of disparities in cardiometabolic and reproductive risk between Hispanic and White women with polycystic ovary syndrome in the United States: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively compare cardiometabolic and reproductive health risk between Hispanic and White women with polycystic ovary syndrome in the United States in response to the call by the international guideline for polycystic ovary syndrome to delineate health disparities. DATA SOURCES: Databases of MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus were initially searched through October 25, 2020, and confirmed on February 1, 2021. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Observational studies comparing glucoregulatory, lipid profile, anthropometric, blood pressure, androgen, ovarian morphology, oligoanovulation, and infertility status between Hispanic and White women with polycystic ovary syndrome were included. The primary outcome was metabolic syndrome risk. Furthermore, major cardiovascular events (stroke, coronary heart disease, and heart failure) and mortality rate (cardiovascular death and total mortality) data were evaluated. Studies on adolescents (<2 years after menarche), pregnant, or menopausal-aged women (>50 years) were excluded. METHODS: Data were pooled by random-effects models and expressed as mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies (n=2267; 589 Hispanic and 1678 White women) were eligible. All studies, including both White and Hispanic women, had high-quality assessment (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score of ≥8). Hispanic women exhibited comparable metabolic syndrome prevalence (7% [95% confidence interval, -1 to 14]; P=.06; I2=0%); however, Hispanic women exhibited higher modified Ferriman-Gallwey score (0.60 [95% confidence interval, -0.01 to 1.21]; P=.05; I2=0%), fasting insulin (5.48 µIU/mL [95% confidence interval, 3.11-7.85]; P≤.01; I2=40.0%), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (1.20 [95% confidence interval, 0.50-1.89]; P≤.01; I2=43.0%) than White women. The 2 groups had comparable glucose, lipid profile, waist circumference, blood pressure, and androgen status (all P≥.08). Findings about group differences in certain reproductive outcomes (ie, ovarian dysmorphology and infertility) were contradictory and described only narratively as inclusion in the meta-analyses was not possible. No study reported on cardiovascular events or mortality. CONCLUSION: Hispanic women with polycystic ovary syndrome exhibited greater impairments in glucoregulatory status than White women. Disparities in reproductive risks could not be concluded. The degree to which glucoregulatory aberrations translate into patient-pressing diseases (diabetes mellitus and infertility) remains a major roadblock given the paucity of available evidence. Our observations have supported the consideration of these disparities in the diagnostic, monitoring, and management practices for polycystic ovary syndrome and reinforced the need to elucidate mechanisms that account for the observed disparities to foster equity in polycystic ovary syndrome care.

Disparities in cardio metabolic risk between Black and White women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize and quantitatively pool evidence on cardiometabolic health disparities between Black and White women with polycystic ovary syndrome in the United States in response to the call for further delineation of these disparities in the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. DATA SOURCES: Databases of MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched initially through March 05, 2020, and confirmed on September 11, 2020. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Observational studies documenting cardiometabolic risk profile (glucoregulatory, lipid profile, anthropometric, and blood pressure status) in Black and White women with polycystic ovary syndrome were included. Studies on children (<17 years old) and pregnant or menopausal-aged women (>50 years) were excluded. The primary outcome was fasting glucose. Furthermore, data on major cardiovascular events (stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure) and mortality rate (cardiovascular death, total mortality) were evaluated. METHODS: Data were pooled by random-effects models and expressed as mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Studies were weighted based on the inverse of the variance. Heterogeneity was evaluated by Cochran Q and I2 statistics. Study methodologic quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies (N=2851 [652 Black and 2199 White]) evaluated cardiometabolic risk profile and all had high quality (Newcastle-Ottawa scale score of ≥8). No studies reported on cardiovascular events and mortality rate. Black women had comparable fasting glucose (-0.61 [-1.69 to 2.92] mg/dL; I2=62.5%), yet exhibited increased fasting insulin (6.76 [4.97-8.56] µIU/mL; I2=59.0%); homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (1.47 [0.86-2.08]; I2=83.2%); systolic blood pressure (3.32 [0.34-6.30] mm Hg; I2=52.0%); and decreased triglyceride (-32.56 [-54.69 to -10.42] mg/dL; I2=68.0%) compared with White women (all, P≤.03). Groups exhibited comparable total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and diastolic blood pressure (all, P≥.06). CONCLUSIONS: Black women with polycystic ovary syndrome have a greater tendency for an adverse cardiometabolic risk profile (increased insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and systolic blood pressure) despite lower triglycerides than White women. Our observations support the consideration of these disparities for diagnostic, monitoring, and management practices in Black women and for future guideline recommendations. Given the heterogeneity among studies, future research should address the relative contributions of biologic, environmental, socioeconomic, and healthcare factors to the observed disparities. Furthermore, longitudinal research is required to address patient-pressing complications, including cardiovascular events and mortality rate in Black women with polycystic ovary syndrome as a high-risk yet understudied population.

Racial and ethnic differences in the metabolic response of polycystic ovary syndrome.

CONTEXT: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent disorder associated with insulin resistance (IR) and compensatory hyperinsulinemia. Although variations in cardiometabolic risks across race and ethnicities have been reported in the general population, racial/ethnic disparities in the metabolic dysfunction of PCOS remain relatively unstudied. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether markers of metabolic function differ in nondiabetic Asian American (AS), African American (AA), Hispanic White (HW), compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) women with PCOS. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective cross-sectional study in a tertiary institution. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: A total of 259 nondiabetic women with PCOS (by NIH 1990 criteria) who completed a 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test measuring plasma glucose and insulin levels. Basal IR and insulin secretion, assessed by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR and HOMA-ß%, respectively), and two-hour hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinemia after an oral glucose load, were compared in 21 AS, 24 AA, 53 HW and 161 NHW consecutive nondiabetic adult PCOS women. RESULTS: After adjusting for age and body mass index, HW and AA PCOS women demonstrated higher fasting and post-glucose challenge insulin levels, and higher HOMA-IR and HOMA-ß%, than NHW women, although glucose levels were similar. In contrast, AS PCOS women had or tended to have lower HOMA-ß% than any other racial/ethnic groups, lower HOMA-IR, and fasting and post-challenge insulin levels than AA or HW, and also had higher (albeit still normal) mean post-challenge glucose levels than NHW women with PCOS despite similar HOMA-IR, and fasting insulin and post-challenge insulin levels. Waist-hip ratio was similar across the four groups. CONCLUSION: Both HW and AA women with PCOS have increased basal state IR and higher ß-cell response, and post-challenge hyperinsulinemia compared to NHW and AS subjects. The trend towards a lesser insulin response among Asian women requires further investigation. These findings suggest that the screening and management of metabolic dysfunction in PCOS should consider patients' race/ethnicity.

The predictive value of total testosterone alone for clinical hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Is the sole measurement of total testosterone sufficient to assess the presence of hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? DESIGN: Serum samples from 294 patients with PCOS who met the Rotterdam criteria were used for the analysis of total testosterone by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA). The free androgen index (FAI) was calculated as total testosterone (TT)/sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) × 100%, and the presence/degree of hirsutism were assessed using the modified and simplified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG and sFG, respectively) scoring systems. RESULTS: The hirsute subjects presented higher LC-MS/MS-based total testosterone and FAI values than the non-hirsute subjects (all P < 0.001), including those defined based on mFG ≥5 or sFG ≥3. Total testosterone and FAI were both positively correlated with the mFG (rank correlation coefficient [RCC] 0.598 and 0.443, P < 0.001) or sFG (RCC 0.747 and 0.568, P < 0.001) score, and a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that both parameters could significantly predict the presence of hirsutism determined by the mFG (area under the curve [AUC] 0.797 and 0.725, P < 0.001) or sFG (AUC 0.894 and 0.817, P < 0.001) score. However, similar results were not obtained with the CLIA platform. CONCLUSIONS: In this East Asian population, total testosterone was found to be a strong predictor of the presence and degree of hyperandrogenism (i.e. assessed by the presence and degree of hirsutism), but this finding was obtained only if the total testosterone level was measured by LC-MS/MS and not by CLIA. These findings might have important implications for global epidemiologic, phenotypic and clinical studies of PCOS.

Adipocyte expression of glucose transporter 1 and 4 in PCOS: Relationship to insulin-mediated and non-insulin-mediated whole-body glucose uptake.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent endocrine-metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance (IR). In IR states, non-insulin-mediated glucose uptake (NIMGU) may increase to compensate for declining insulin-mediated glucose uptake (IMGU), although this does not appear to be the case in PCOS. The underlying molecular mechanisms for this deficiency remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: To compare adipocyte glucose transporter 1 and 4 (GLUT-1 and GLUT-4) gene expression in PCOS women and matched controls, and to determine whether changes in GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 are associated with concomitant alterations in whole-body glucose uptake. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 23 women with PCOS (by NIH 1990 criteria) and 23 matched controls were studied for subcutaneous abdominal adipocyte GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 mRNA expression (by real-time PCR), and basal whole-body IR (by HOMA-IR) and insulin secretion (by HOMA-ß%). A subset of six PCOS women and six matched controls also underwent a mFSIVGTT to determine dynamic state glucose uptake (by insulin sensitivity index [Si] and glucose effectiveness [Sg]) and insulin secretion (by the acute insulin response to glucose [AIRg] and the disposition index [Di]). RESULTS: For similar adiposity (BMI and waist-hip ratio), PCOS women tended to have higher HOMA-IR and lower Di and Si, and higher HOMA-ß% and lower GLUT-4 than controls, while GLUT-1 was similar. GLUT-1 was positively associated with Sg (reflecting NIMGU) and GLUT-4 positively with Si (reflecting IMGU). GLUT-4 was associated negatively with HOMA-IR and HOMA-ß% and positively with Di for the entire cohort but not with AIRg. Both GLUT-1 and GLU-4 were negatively associated with BMI, but not with each other. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that IR secondary to a lower IMGU and enhanced insulin secretion in PCOS is in part attributable to a reduction in adipocyte GLUT-4 expression that is not accompanied by a compensatory increase in GLUT-1 expression.

Alterations in plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) kinetics and relationship with insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome.

STUDY QUESTION: Are non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) kinetics altered in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Women with PCOS, particularly obese subjects, have dysregulated plasma NEFA kinetics in response to changes in plasma insulin and glucose levels, which are associated with insulin resistance (IR) independently of the fasting plasma NEFA levels. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Elevated plasma NEFA levels are associated with IR in many disorders, although the homeostasis of NEFA kinetics and its relationship to IR in women with PCOS is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: We prospectively compared insulin sensitivity and NEFA kinetics in 29 PCOS and 29 healthy controls women matched for BMI. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: This study was conducted in a tertiary institution. Plasma NEFA, glucose and insulin levels were assessed during a modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (mFSIVGTT). Minimal models were used to assess insulin sensitivity (Si) and NEFA kinetics (i.e. model-derived initial plasma NEFA level [NEFA0], phi constant [Φ], reflecting glucose-mediated inhibition of lipolysis and measures of maximum rate of lipolysis [SFFA] and NEFA uptake from plasma [KFFA]). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The study provides new evidence that women with PCOS have defective NEFA kinetics characterized by: (i) lower basal plasma NEFA levels, measured directly and modeled (NEFA0), and (ii) a greater glucose-mediated inhibition of lipolysis in the remote or interstitial space (reflected by a lower affinity constant [Φ]). There were no differences, however, in the maximal rates of adipose tissue lipolysis (SFFA) and the rate at which NEFA leaves the plasma pool (KFFA). The differences observed in NEFA kinetics were exacerbated, and almost exclusively observed, in the obese PCOS subjects. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Our study did not study NEFA subtypes. It was also cross-sectional and based on women affected by PCOS as defined by the 1990 National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria (i.e. Phenotypes A and B) and identified in the clinical setting. Consequently, extrapolation of the present data to other phenotypes of PCOS should be made with caution. Furthermore, our data is exploratory and therefore requires validation with a larger sample size. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Dysfunction in NEFA kinetics may be a marker of metabolic dysfunction in nondiabetic obese women with PCOS and may be more important than simply assessing circulating NEFA levels at a single point in time for understanding the mechanism(s) underlying the IR of PCOS. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by NIH grants R01-DK073632 and R01-HD29364 to R.A.; a Career Development Award from MD Medical Group, Moscow, RF, to D.L. and Augusta University funds to Y.-H.C. RA serves as consultant to Ansh Labs, Medtronics, Spruce Biosciences and Latitude Capital. U.E., Z.A., D.L., R.M., Y.-H.C., R.C.B. and Y.D.I.C. have no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.

Recommendations for epidemiologic and phenotypic research in polycystic ovary syndrome: an androgen excess and PCOS society resource.

STUDY QUESTION: What are the best practices for undertaking epidemiologic and phenotypic studies in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Best practices for the undertaking of epidemiologic and phenotypic studies in PCOS are outlined. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Currently methodologies used for studies of PCOS epidemiology and phenotypes vary widely, and the comparability of studies is low, reducing the ability to harmonize studies. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The Androgen Excess and PCOS (AE-PCOS) Society established a Task Force to draft a research resource for epidemiologic and phenotypic studies in PCOS, with the aim of providing guidelines on study design and execution, insights into the limitations and alternatives and protocols to be used, taking into consideration a global perspective. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: A targeted review of the literature was carried out as necessary. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: High level recommendations include the following: (i) Before initiating the study, a number of critical factors should be addressed including selecting the population and diagnostic criteria (which should ideally align with the recommendations of the International Guidelines), the type of observational study to be undertaken and the primary and secondary endpoint(s) of the study.(ii) To assess the 'natural' or true phenotype and epidemiology of PCOS, the least medically biased, broadest and most generalizable population, and the broadest definition of PCOS, should be used.(iii) Four PCOS phenotypes (Phenotypes A through D), based on the presence or absence of three general features (oligo-anovulation, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovarian morphology), should be ascertained.(iv) In epidemiologic and phenotypic studies, the detection of PCOS rests on the accuracy and sensitivity of the methods used for assessing the individual features of the disorder, and how 'normal' is defined.(v) Although an assessment algorithm that minimizes the use of certain measures (e.g. androgen levels and/or ovarian ultrasonography) can be devised, when possible it is preferable to uniformly assess all subjects for all parameters of interest.(vi) The inclusion of subjects in epidemiologic studies who do not appear to have PCOS (i.e. 'non-PCOS') will provide the necessary cohort to establish population-specific normative ranges for the various features of PCOS. (vii) Epidemiologic studies of PCOS in unselected populations will yield relatively limited numbers of PCOS subjects available for genetic study; alternatively, large population-based epidemiologic studies of PCOS will potentially generate large numbers of unaffected individuals that may serve as genetic controls. (viii) Epidemiologic studies of PCOS will benefit from a clear governance structure and should begin by informing, educating and engaging both the formal and informal leaders of the populations targeted for study. (ix) In designing their study investigators should, in advance, establish statistical power and recognize, manage and account for inherent biases. (x) Subjects suspected of having PCOS but who do not/cannot complete their evaluation (i.e. have 'possible PCOS') can be included by imputation, assigning them a 'diagnostic weight' based on those subjects of similar clinical phenotype that have completed the study. (xi) In obtaining, storing and retrieving subject data, subjects should be assessed consecutively using a uniform data collection form; providing as complete and in depth data as possible. (xii) Maintenance of both paper and electronic medical records should focus on ensuring data quality, accuracy and institutional ethical compliance, and familiarity with country-dependent laws, including biobanking-specific laws, tissue laws and research laws. (xiii) In obtaining and biobanking study samples, these should be ideally collected at the time of the first assessment. (xiv) Access to stored data sets should ideally be granted to other bona fide researchers conducting research in the public interest. (xv) SOPs detailing the exact method of each of the activities for handling the data and the samples are necessary to ensure that all methods are performed uniformly. (xvi) Epidemiologic studies of PCOS must be resourced adequately. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: As with all reports involving expert interpretation of experiential and published data, inherent individual biases are possible. This risk is minimized in the present study by including experts from varying fields of study, aligning with recent international evidence-based guidelines and obtaining consensus approval of the recommendations from the Task Force and the board of the AE-PCOS. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: These guidelines should encourage investigators worldwide to undertake much needed epidemiologic studies of PCOS, increasing the validity, integrity and comparability of the data. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): The study received no funding. R.A. serves as consultant for Medtronic, Spruce Biosciences and Ansh Labs; has received research funding from Ferring Pharmaceuticals; and is on the advisory board of Martin Imaging; R.L. has received research funding from MSD Pharmaceuticals; J.L. has received fees and/or grant support from the Dutch Heart Association, The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw), Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Danone, Euroscreen/Ogeda and Titus Health Care; H.T. receives grant funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council; K.K., L.M.-P., S.S.M. and B.O.Y. have no potential conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

The pressing need for standardization in epidemiologic studies of PCOS across the globe.

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and important complex endocrine metabolic disorder affecting women mainly in the reproductive age. The prevalence of the disorder varies depending on the epidemiologic design and criterion used to study the disease. This variation in methodology and subsequent effect on epidemiologic estimate makes it difficult to compare prevalences and phenotypes across geographical areas and assess the effect of cultural and racial variations on PCOS phenotypes. Overall, there is an urgent need for a globally accepted standardized protocol for epidemiologic studies of PCOS, which will maximize the comparability of studies around the globe. To address this issue the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society, Inc. has designated an expert Task Force to draft recommendations to guide epidemiologic research worldwide. Once completed, the use of such recommendations will enable epidemiologists to the effects of geographical and cultural variations of PCOS prevalence and assist in determining the phenotype-genotype associations in the disorder. Further, it will assist in developing informed, and thus effective, public health policy. In essence, the need to standardize epidemiologic studies across the globe is pressing and urgent.

Close correlation between hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome-Based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry measurements.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the correlation between hyperandrogenism (HA) and insulin resistance (IR) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by measuring serum total testosterone (TT) using a liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry assay (LC-MS/MS). METHODS: This cohort study included 332 patients with PCOS, 63 patients with IR and 276 with controls. TT levels were measured by LC-MS/MS and chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA); glucose and insulin levels were determined by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). RESULTS: Compared with CLIA, LC-MS/MS differentiated more cases with high TT levels among the non-PCOS subjects with IR In patients with PCOS, LC-MS/MS-based TT levels or a combination with the mFG score detected a significantly higher incidence of HA in subjects with IR identified by hyperinsulinemia (HIN), HOMA-IR or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) than in those without IR Conversely, the IR rates demonstrated by HIN, HOMA-IR, or IFG were remarkably higher in the LC-MS/MS-defined high TT subgroup than in the normal TT subgroup. However, the CLIA platform could not discern a difference in HA incidence between IR and non-IR subgroups or in IR rate between high and normal TT populations. ROC curves also proved that HIN, HOMA-IR, and IFG were positive contributors to HA as measured by LC-MS/MS CONCLUSIONS: The correlation between HA and IR has always been underestimated, partly owing to the less accurate methods previously used to measure TT. HIN, HOMA-IR, and IFG are likely to contribute to the development of HA from a clinical perspective.

Systems Genetics Reveals the Functional Context of PCOS Loci and Identifies Genetic and Molecular Mechanisms of Disease Heterogeneity.

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed 11 independent risk loci for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common disorder in young women characterized by androgen excess and oligomenorrhea. To put these risk loci and the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) therein into functional context, we measured DNA methylation and gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies to identify PCOS-specific alterations. Two genes from the LHCGR region, STON1-GTF2A1L and LHCGR, were overexpressed in PCOS. In analysis stratified by obesity, LHCGR was overexpressed only in non-obese PCOS women. Although not differentially expressed in the entire PCOS group, INSR was underexpressed in obese PCOS subjects only. Alterations in gene expression in the LHCGR, RAB5B and INSR regions suggest that SNPs in these loci may be functional and could affect gene expression directly or indirectly via epigenetic alterations. We identified reduced methylation in the LHCGR locus and increased methylation in the INSR locus, changes that are concordant with the altered gene expression profiles. Complex patterns of meQTL and eQTL were identified in these loci, suggesting that local genetic variation plays an important role in gene regulation. We propose that non-obese PCOS women possess significant alterations in LH receptor expression, which drives excess androgen secretion from the ovary. Alternatively, obese women with PCOS possess alterations in insulin receptor expression, with underexpression in metabolic tissues and overexpression in the ovary, resulting in peripheral insulin resistance and excess ovarian androgen production. These studies provide a genetic and molecular basis for the reported clinical heterogeneity of PCOS.

Peri-muscular adipose tissue may play a unique role in determining insulin sensitivity/resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

STUDY QUESTION: Do the determinants of insulin sensitivity/resistance differ in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Peri-muscular thigh adipose tissue is uniquely associated with insulin sensitivity/resistance in women with PCOS, whereas adiponectin and thigh subcutaneous adipose are the main correlates of insulin sensitivity/resistance in women without PCOS. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: In subject populations without PCOS, insulin sensitivity/resistance is determined by body fat distribution and circulating concentrations of hormones and pro-inflammatory mediators. Specifically, visceral (intra-abdominal) adipose tissue mass is adversely associated with insulin sensitivity, whereas thigh subcutaneous adipose appears protective against metabolic disease. Adiponectin is an insulin-sensitizing hormone produced by healthy subcutaneous adipose that may mediate the protective effect of thigh subcutaneous adipose. Testosterone, which is elevated in PCOS, may have an adverse effect on insulin sensitivity/resistance. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Cross-sectional study of 30 women with PCOS and 38 women without PCOS; data were collected between 2007 and 2011. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Participants were group-matched for obesity, as reflected in BMI (Mean ± SD; PCOS: 31.8 ± 6.0 kg/m2; without PCOS: 31.5 ± 5.0 kg/m2). The whole-body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI) was assessed using a mixed-meal tolerance test; Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was determined from fasting insulin and glucose values. Adipose tissue distribution was determined by computed tomography (CT) scan. Partial correlation analysis, adjusting for total fat mass, was used to identify correlates of WBISI and HOMA-IR within each group of women from measures of body composition, body fat distribution, reproductive-endocrine hormones and adipokines/cytokines. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the variables that best predicted WBISI and HOMA-IR. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Among women with PCOS, both WBISI and HOMA-IR were best predicted by peri-muscular adipose tissue cross-sectional area. Among women without PCOS, both WBISI and HOMA-IR were best predicted by adiponectin and thigh subcutaneous adipose tissue. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Small sample size, group matching for BMI and age, and the use of surrogate measures of insulin sensitivity/resistance. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Because insulin resistance is the root cause of obesity and comorbidities in PCOS, determining its cause could lead to potential therapies. Present results suggest that peri-muscular adipose tissue may play a unique role in determining insulin sensitivity/resistance in women with PCOS. Interventions such as restriction of dietary carbohydrates that have been shown to selectively reduce fatty infiltration of skeletal muscle may decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes in women with PCOS. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The study was supported by National Institutes of Health grants R01HD054960, R01DK67538, P30DK56336, P60DK079626, M014RR00032 and UL1RR025777. The authors have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00726908.

Berberine regulates the protein expression of multiple tumorigenesis-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the seventh most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide with an extremely grim prognosis. Berberine (BBR) has been found to inhibit proliferation of human HCC cells, although the underlying mechanism(s) are unclear. METHODS: Protein expression was detected by Western blots. Cell viability was determined by using the CellTiter Assay kit. RESULTS: We confirm that BBR treatment inhibits HepG2, Hep3B, and SNU-182 cell viability, and suggest that it regulates this proliferation via the modulation of multiple tumorigenesis-related genes protein expression. BBR treatment up-regulated protein expression of tumor suppressor genes, including Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6), activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and p21, while down-regulating the expression of selected oncogenes, including E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) and pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (PTTG1). The specific extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor, PD98059, partially inhibited BBR effects including reduction of cell viability, and up-regulation of KLF6 and ATF3 expressions; although, PD98059 did not alter the down-regulation of E2F1 and PTTG1 expression by BBR. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that BBR inhibits HCC cell viability by modulating multiple tumorigenesis-related genes, and that up-regulation of tumor suppressor genes by BBR is in part the result of ERK1/2 action. The results of this study augment our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effect of BBR on hepatocellular cancers and provide further evidence as to the biological plausibility of this agent's role in the treatment of these malignancies.

Serum complexed and free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for the diagnosis of the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. We hypothesized that serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) may constitute a new biomarker for hyperandrogenism in PCOS. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 45 women with PCOS and 40 controls. Serum from these women was analyzed for androgenic steroids and for complexed PSA (cPSA) and free PSA (fPSA) with a novel fifth- generation assay with a sensitivity of ~10 fg/mL for cPSA and 140 fg/mL for fPSA. RESULTS: cPSA and fPSA levels were about three times higher in PCOS compared to controls. However, in PCOS, cPSA and fPSA did not differ according to waist-to-hip ratio, Ferriman-Gallwey score, or degree of hyperandrogenemia or oligo-ovulation. In PCOS and control women, serum cPSA and fPSA levels were highly correlated with each other, and with free and total testosterone levels, but not with other hormones. Adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI) and race, cPSA was significantly associated with PCOS, with an odds ratio (OR) of 5.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.86, 22.0). The OR of PCOS for fPSA was 7.04 (95% CI: 1.65, 40.4). A multivariate model that included age, BMI, race and cPSA yielded an area-under-the-receiver-operating-characteristic curve of 0.89. CONCLUSIONS: Serum cPSA and fPSA are novel biomarkers for hyperandrogenism in PCOS and may have value for disease diagnosis.

Health System Creation and Integration at a Health Sciences University: A Five-Year Follow-up.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Shifting healthcare market forces and regulation have exerted near-constant pressure on U.S. academic health centers (AHCs) attempting to successfully execute their traditional tripartite mission. A governance structure and organizational alignment that works well under one set of conditions is rarely optimal when conditions change. Thus, the degree and type of alignment of an AHC's clinical, educational, and faculty practice organizations have changed regularly within the sector, typically landing near one end or the other on a continuum from fully aligned with centralized governance to largely independent with separate governance. The authors examine the case of Georgia Regents University and Health System in this context. In step with industry trends, the institution's governance structure swung from fully aligned/centralized governance in the early 1990s to essentially separate and decentralized by 2000. In 2010, the Georgia Regents University organizations achieved rapid realignment by creating a governance structure of sufficient strength and flexibility to absorb and adjust to continuing external upheaval. The hospitals, clinics, and physician-faculty practice group were combined into one integrated health system, then aligned with the university to form the state's only public AHC under aligned, but distinct, corporate and management structures. The years since reorganization have seen significant growth in patient volumes and complexity, improved service quality, and enhanced faculty physician satisfaction, while also significantly increasing economic contributions from the health system to the academic mission. This case study offers observations and lessons learned that may be useful to other higher education institutions considering reorganization.

Stein and Leventhal: 80 years on.

Eighty years ago a publication in the Journal proved to be seminal and transformative. The report by Irving Freiler Stein and Michael Leventhal titled, "Amenorrhea associated with polycystic ovaries," has proven to be a remarkably lasting and influential publication. The growth in related literature has been increasing exponentially: the 50 years between 1950 and 2000 saw a little more than 8000 publications on the topic, whereas the 15 year period between 2001 and 2015 (so far) has seen more than 20,000 related publications, a greater than 8-fold increase in the publication rate after 2000. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary year of the publication of the report by Stein and Leventhal, it is important to ask ourselves, "Was this publication truly as seminal as it is generally assumed to be? And why did it gain such a strong foothold on the medical psyche?" To the first question, a review of the antecedent medical literature makes it clear that the report of Drs Stein and Leventhal in 1935, although not flawless, was both seminal and transformative. In fact, it was the first report to describe a series of patients, rather than isolated cases, who demonstrated the triad of polycystic ovaries, hirsutism, and oligo/amenorrhea, connecting what had previously been disparate features of polycystic ovaries and menorrhagia, and hirsutism and oligo/amenorrhea. Second, the facts that Dr Stein and his collaborators were relatively prolific writers, consistent and clear in their message and descriptions; that a possible therapy (bilateral ovarian wedge resection) had been conveniently included in the report; and that the disorder was (is) relatively prevalent, permitted what would eventually be called the Stein-Leventhal syndrome to gain a strong foothold in contemporary medical practice. Overall, we in the field of medicine have much to celebrate, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the publication of the report by Stein and Leventhal in 1935, for a new disorder was described, one that we know today affects, in its various forms, 1 in every 7-17 women worldwide.

Basal metabolic rate in women with PCOS compared to eumenorrheic controls.

OBJECTIVE: PCOS is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Efforts have focused on whether an abnormal energy homeostasis contributes to the development of obesity in these patients. There are conflicting results in the literature regarding whether women with PCOS have an altered basal metabolic rate (BMR), thereby leading to difficulties in weight loss. The objective of this study is to compare basal metabolic rate (BMR) in women with PCOS and controls. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PATIENTS: One hundred and twenty-eight PCOS patients diagnosed by original NIH consensus criteria and 72 eumenorrheic, non-hirsute controls were recruited from an academic medical centre. MEASUREMENTS: Assessment of BMR using the InBody portable bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device and insulin resistance by HOMA-IR indices. RESULTS: PCOS women were younger than controls. As expected, PCOS subjects had higher body mass index (BMI), serum androgens and estimated insulin resistance. After adjusting for age and BMI, there was no significant difference in BMR between PCOS subjects (adjusted mean 5807 kJ/day, 95% CI 5715-5899) and controls (adjusted mean 5916 kJ/day, 95% CI 5786-6046) (P = 0·193). BMR was also comparable in a secondary analysis comparing PCOS women with and without insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for age and BMI, there was no difference in BMR between PCOS women and controls.