The role of inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in polycystic ovary syndrome and their association with cardiovascular risk
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder that leads to hormonal and metabolic changes associated with the deve l opment of chronic diseases. Our objective wa s to study the role inflammatory and metabolic markers play in women suffering from p olycystic o vary s yndrome (PCOS ) and the link between these markers and cardiovascular risk. From January to July 2025, cross sectional study was conducted in Al-Habboubi Teaching Hospital to asses inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in 150 women with PCOS and 50 healthy controls. The diagnosis was made based on the Rotterdam criteria (2003). Exclusion criteria included pregnant women, people with chronic diseases , and people taking medicines that affect the biomarkers. We measured CRP, TNF- α, IL-6, IL-10, lipid profile, insulin, adiponectin , and HOMA-IR in blood samples. Anthropometric measurements included BMI, waist circumference , and blood pressure. Ethical approval was obtained and written informed consent s w ere given . The r esults of the analysis revealed no age difference between the groups, but the women with PCOS had significantly higher BMI, WC , and BP. High CRP and TNF-α with low IL-10 levels were associated with high inflammatory status. The metabolic abnormalities included elevated levels of fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR , and low level of adiponectin . Cardiova s cular risk was independently related to obesity, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, low adiponectin, and dyslipidaemia in the women with PCOS, which is in line with the results of the correlation and regression analyses. Polycystic ovary syndrome wa s found to be closely linked to obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia , and chronic inflammation, all of which contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. These alterations are due to hormonal and metabolic imbalance leading to increased inflammatory responses, decreased protective adipokines , and endothelial dysfunction.References
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