Impaired glucose tolerance is associated with changes in clinical and biochemical parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background. To characterize the phenotype of women with polycystic ovary syndrome with and without impaired glucose tolerance by determining various polycystic ovary syndrome-associated clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods. In a prospective clinical study, we evaluated a series of 102 Caucasian women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Women completed a detailed questionnaire and underwent a standardized oral glucose tolerance test. Various polycystic ovary syndrome-associated laboratory values such as hormonal and metabolic parameters were determined in these women and correlated to clinical data and the presence/absence of impaired glucose tolerance. Furthermore, the insulin resistance was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment index and correlated with clinical and biochemical parameters. Results. Eighty-eight (86.3%) and 14 (13.7%) women were diagnosed as having non-impaired glucose tolerance and impaired glucose tolerance, respectively. Presence of impaired glucose tolerance was associated with an increased body mass index, increased body weight, elevated serum levels of bioavailable testosterone, insulin like growth factor-1, insulin, HbA1c, leucocytes, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, hepatic C-reactive protein, and decreased serum levels of sex-hormone binding globulin. No association was ascertained with subfertility, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities. We ascertained a positive correlation between the homeostasis model assessment index and body mass index, body weight, alkaline phosphatase, and hepatic C-reactive protein. Conclusions. Impaired glucose tolerance seems to be associated with a specific phenotype within polycystic ovary syndrome. This phenotype is more likely to present with biochemical parameters similar to an inflammatory reaction and a metabolic disorder.