Are polycystic ovaries associated with cardiovascular disease risk as polycystic ovary syndrome?

Aim. Our aim was to assess C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or polycystic ovaries (PCO). Methods. The study population included 30 women with PCOS, 30 with PCO and 30 healthy controls. CRP and insulin resistance index (IRI) (fasting glucose/insulin) were measured. A receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to determine the cut-off value of CRP to predict increased cardiovascular risk. Results. There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups with regard to age and body mass index. IRI was significantly lower in the PCOS group than in the PCO and control groups. No difference existed between the PCO and control groups. Median CRP levels in the control, PCO and PCOS groups were 0.75, 1.3 and 1.5 mg/l, respectively (p = 0.005). CRP could differentiate between women with and without increased cardiovascular risk at a cut-off value of 2.42 mg/l, with a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 81%. Conclusion. As in PCOS patients, women with PCO have higher serum CRP levels than healthy control women. This may contribute to increased cardiovascular disease risk in patients with PCO.