BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. Low-grade inflammation has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is evidence of clustering for metabolic syndrome, hypertension, dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance (IR) in mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers of women with PCOS.

AIMS

The aim is to study the levels of inflammatory markers and IR in first-degree relatives of patients with PCOS and find any correlation with hormonal parameters, metabolic parameters and adiposity indices in them.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

A total of 66 first-degree relatives of a patient with PCOS were included in this cross-sectional study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All participants underwent detailed clinical evaluation and biochemical investigations, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and total testosterone (only in females). Homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), lipid accumulation product and visceral adiposity index were calculated using standard equations. Visceral adipose tissue thickness and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness were assessed using ultrasonography.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Spearman's and Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to analyse the correlation between different non-parametric and parametric data, respectively. Multiple linear regression was used to correlate multiple dependent factors.

RESULTS

The mean hs-CRP level was 2.4 ± 1.1 mg/L, which is greater than the cut-off of 2 mg/L and hs-CRP >2 mg/L was found in 62% ( = 41) participants. The mean IL-6 (3.5 ± 1.1 pg/ml) and total white blood cell count (7244 ± 2190/mm) were in the normal range. The mean HOMA-IR was 2.35 ± 0.76, which is elevated, considering HOMA IR >2 as a predictor of IR and metabolic syndrome. HOMA IR >2 was found in 64% ( = 42) of the participants. Inflammatory markers were significantly correlated with LH and HOMA IR, even after multiple linear regression was fitted for each marker individually.

CONCLUSION

Apparently, healthy first-degree relatives of PCOS patients had evidence of chronic low-grade inflammation. The chronic inflammation in them correlated well with HOMA-IR and LH but was independent of body mass index. This low-grade inflammation may predispose the first-degree relatives of PCOS to CVD.