Association between C-Reactive Protein and low-grade Inflammation among Nigerian women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

BACKGROUND

There is evidence of a low-grade chronic inflammation reflected by minor but significant increases in circulating levels of inflammatory mediators in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). There is uncertainty about the causal relationship whether it is obesity, insulin resistance, or PCOS. There is a paucity of studies from the West African subregion.

OBJECTIVES

The study investigated C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in Nigerian women with PCOS, and determined the factors that affect their concentration.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 71 Nigerian women with PCOS and 76 normal ovulating women, recruited from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and the Women's Health and Action Research Centre, in Nigeria. CRP levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity were estimated using the Homeostatic Model Assessment Index and Quantitative Insulin-sensitivity Check Index respectively.

RESULTS

The CRP levels were significantly elevated in Nigerian women with PCOS compared to controls (9.93 ± 8.38 vs 5.54 ± 5.93 mg/L; p=0.000). It positively correlated with age (r = 0.297, p = 0.012), Weight (r =0.313, p = 0.008) and BMI (r = 0.339, p = 0.004). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that CRP values are positively associated with BMI (β = 0.274, p = 0.001) and PCOS (β = 0.382, p = 0.001). The CRP values were positively associated with BMI (β = 0.372, p = 0.012) and negatively associated with QUICKI (β = -0.644, p = 0.073).

CONCLUSIONS

Among Nigerian women with PCOS, inflammation may be mediated through adiposity since the main predicting factor for increased CRP is BMI.