The plasma homocysteine levels are increased in polycystic ovary syndrome

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have several cardiovascular disease risk factors. Since hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with early atherosclerosis, it was postulated that the homocysteine levels are higher in PCOS patients than in control subjects which, therefore, may explain the cardiovascular disease risk. Thirty-five women with PCOS and 20 healthy subjects were studied. Endocrine assays, lipid profile, homocysteine and insulin level determinations, and ultrasound evaluation were performed in all subjects. We found significantly higher mean plasma homocysteine concentrations in patients with PCOS as compared with controls (10.4 +/- 4.4 vs. 7.2 +/- 1.5 ng/dl; p < 0.003). These data show that in PCOS early atherosclerosis is not exclusively dependent on hyperinsulinemia and elevated lipid profile - PCOS patients are exposed to significantly higher homocysteine levels which might increase the cardiovascular disease risk. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel.