Plasma ghrelin concentrations in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome before and after 6-months therapy: Correlation with androgen levels

OBJECTIVE: Ghrelin is a natural ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor and has been shown to be a potent stimulant of GH secretion. It has also orexigenic effects and regulates energy homeostasis. Recent studies claim that ghrelin influences the androgen level and probably takes part in PCOS pathomechanisrn. The aim of the study was an assessment of ghrelin level in plasma in women with PCOS before and after the treatment and ghrelin's influence on androgen level change. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 25 women with the diagnosed PCOS (mean age 25.3 +/- 4.05 yr). The tests were done twice: before the treatment and after 6-month therapy with Diane 35 (cyproterone acetate 2 mg with ethinylestradiol 35 mu g). Following hormones were measured: ghrelin, free testosterone, androstendione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 17-OH-progesterone and estradiol. RESULTS: The received results in both groups were compared with the control group (11 healthy women, mean age 26.0 +/- 2.6 yr). No statistically significant differences in ghrelin levels before (187.8 +/- 8.1 fmol/ml) and after the therapy (185.6 +/- 9.5 fmol/ml) were found. Similar results were received when two groups of women compared with the control (186.5 +/- 8.7 fmol/ml). No correlations between ghrelin and androgen levels were confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Final conclusion is that there is no direct impact of ghrelin level on PCOS pathogenesis, however, its role in development of obesity, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance co-occurring with metabolic disorders syndrome cannot be excluded.