Ovarian Cysts Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ovarian Cysts, including details on causes, treatment, symptoms, infertility.

Increased activation of nuclear factor kappaB triggers inflammation and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome.

González F, Rote NS, Minium J, Kirwan JP

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MetroHealth Medical Center, Hamann S4-44, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA. fgonzalez@metrohealth.org

CONTEXT: Insulin resistance and chronic low level inflammation are often present in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of hyperglycemia on nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) activation and inhibitory kappaB (IkappaB) from mononuclear cells (MNC) in PCOS. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a prospective controlled study conducted at an academic medical center. PATIENTS: The study population consisted of 16 reproductive-age women with PCOS (eight lean, eight obese) and 16 age- and body composition-matched controls (eight lean, eight obese). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Insulin sensitivity (IS) was derived from a 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (IS(OGTT)). Intranuclear NFkappaB and IkappaB protein expression were quantitated from MNC obtained from blood drawn fasting and 2 h after glucose ingestion. RESULTS: IS(OGTT) was lower in PCOS compared with controls (3.3 +/- 0.3 vs. 6.4 +/- 0.9, P < 0.004). The percent change in intranuclear NFkappaB was higher in lean and obese PCOS compared with lean controls (42.5 +/- 19.1 and 54.5 +/- 12.5 vs. -14.1 +/- 10.9, P < 0.006). The percent change in intranuclear NFkappaB correlated positively with 2-h post-glucose ingestion levels (r = 0.37; P < 0.04) and plasma testosterone (r = 0.49; P < 0.006) and correlated negatively with IS(OGTT) (r = 0.39; P < 0.04). The percent change in IkappaB was lower in lean and obese PCOS compared with lean controls (-22.3 +/- 3.2 and -17.0 +/- 5.0 vs. 8.4 +/- 11.8, P < 0.02). CONCLUSION: In response to hyperglycemia, intranuclear NFkappaB increases and IkappaB decreases in MNC of women with PCOS independent of obesity. This may represent a cardinal inflammatory signal that contributes to the induction of insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in PCOS.

Published 7 April 2006 in J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 91(4): 1508-12.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Ovarian Cysts Research Today. All Rights Reserved.