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Basal insulin-like factor 3 levels predict functional ovarian hyperandrogenism in the polycystic ovary syndrome

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Abstract

Aim: The aims of the study were to understand the association between insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) and functional ovarian hyperandrogenism (FOH) in PCOS and the regulatory role played by LH. Subjects and methods: Fifteen PCOS women were classified as FOH (FOH-PCOS, no.=8) and non-FOH (NFOH-PCOS, no.=7) according to the response of 17OH-progesterone to buserelin (a GnRH analogue) with respect to 15 controls. FOH-PCOS and NFOH-PCOS were compared for basal INSL3 levels. In addition, the effect of buserelin on INSL3 concentrations and the relationship between basal and buserelin-stimulated LH and 17OH-progesterone and INSL3 were evaluated. Results: Basal INSL3 levels were higher in FOH-PCOS than NFOH-PCOS (p=0.001) and controls (p=0.001), whereas they did not differ between NFOH-PCOS and controls. In addition, FOH-PCOS had a higher response of LH to buserelin with respect to NFOH-PCOS. Within all PCOS women the levels of INSL3 positively correlated with free testosterone (p=0.022) and negatively with SHBG (r= p=0.031). Moreover, positive correlations with the absolute increase of 17OH-progesterone (p<0.001) and with the LH area under the curve (p=0.001) after buserelin administration were found. In the multiple regression analysis INSL3 persisted significantly correlated only with 17OH-progesterone response to buserelin. Finally, INSL3 was not significantly modified after buserelin administration either in FOH-PCOS or in NFOH-PCOS. Conclusions: These data suggest that INSL3 is related to FOH in PCOS women, but this association seems not to be mediated by LH, further reinforcing the concept that a pathophysiological heterogeneity for ovarian hyperandrogenism in PCOS exists.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Centre for Applied Biomedical Research (C.R.B.A.), S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy

    A. Gambineri, L. Patton, O. Prontera, F. Fanelli, U. Pagotto & R. Pasquali MD

  2. Day-Surgery Center, Gynepro Medical, Bologna, Italy

    W. Ciampaglia & G. E. Cognigni

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  1. A. Gambineri
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  2. L. Patton
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  3. O. Prontera
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  4. F. Fanelli
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  5. W. Ciampaglia
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  6. G. E. Cognigni
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  7. U. Pagotto
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  8. R. Pasquali MD
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Correspondence to R. Pasquali MD.

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Gambineri, A., Patton, L., Prontera, O. et al. Basal insulin-like factor 3 levels predict functional ovarian hyperandrogenism in the polycystic ovary syndrome. J Endocrinol Invest 34, 685–691 (2011). https://doi.org/10.3275/7726

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