Insulin resistance, androgens, and lipids are gradually improved in an age-dependent manner in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome: insights from a large Caucasian cohort.

PURPOSE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), considered a lifelong condition, manifests mainly as a cluster of hyperandrogenic symptoms during the early reproductive years, with the affected woman gradually developing an adverse cardiometabolic profile over the years. However, some data point to the possibility of differences in the evolution of PCOS according to a woman's weight. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the metabolic and hormonal profiles of women with PCOS over time. METHODS: A total of 763 lean women with PCOS (BMI 20-25 kg/m2) and 376 controls were included. The study group was further divided into three age groups representing women post-adolescence, of reproductive age, and of late reproductive age. All subjects were assessed clinically, biochemically, and hormonally. RESULTS: Waist circumference, lipids, androgens, and insulin resistance index (homeostasis model assessment of IR index (HOMA-IR)) were significantly higher in the PCOS group compared with controls. Age subgroup analysis showed a progressive decrease of HOMA-IR and waist circumference, and lipid levels were comparable between PCOS and controls in all age groups. Androgens remained significantly higher in PCOS, but they gradually decreased through time. A significant negative association of age with waist circumference, androgens, insulin, and HOMA-IR was revealed. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis disclosed a strong correlation of HOMA-IR with age (p = 0.014, ß - 0.19, SE coefficient 0.008) as a single parameter or in combination with total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.001, age: ß - 0.023, SE 0.10; TC: ß 0.084, SE 0.027). CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance, androgens, and lipids are gradually improved in an age-dependent manner in lean PCOS women. We hypothesize that if these women do not gain weight with the passage of time, there is a high probability that their cardiometabolic risk will be attenuated.

Links between aldosterone excess and metabolic complications: A comprehensive review.

Shortly after the first description of primary aldosteronism (PA) appeared in the 1950s by Jerome Conn, an association of the condition with diabetes mellitus was documented. However, a clear pathophysiological interrelationship linking the two entities has yet to be established. Nevertheless, so far, many mechanisms contributing to insulin resistance and dysregulation of glucose uptake have been described. At the same time, many observational studies have reported an increased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) among patients with PA. Regarding the relationship between aldosterone levels and obesity, a vicious cycle of adipokine-induced aldosterone production and aldosterone adipogenic action may be further contributing to MetS manifestations in PA patients. However, whether aldosterone excess affects lipid metabolism is still under investigation. Also, recent findings of the coexistence of glucocorticoid excess in many cases of PA highlight the need for further studies to examine the presumed link between high aldosterone levels and various metabolic parameters. In the present review, our focus is to comprehensively present the spectrum of available research findings concerning the possible associations between aldosterone excess and metabolic alterations, including impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance and, consequently, diabetes, altered lipid metabolism and the development of fatty liver. In addition, the complex relationship between obesity and aldosterone is discussed in detail.