Assessment of the Parameters of Oxidative Stress Depending on the Metabolic and Anthropometric Status Indicators in Women with PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies in females of reproductive age. In women with PCOS, metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance (IR), hyperinsulinemia, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and other elements of metabolic syndrome are likely to occur. Studies have shown an increase in the concentration and activity of oxidative stress (OS) markers in patients with PCOS, compared to that in unaffected women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the parameters of OS in PCOS and their activity in relation to women without menstrual disorders with a normal body weight. Then, we compared malonodialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), including overweight and obesity, hyperandrogenemia, and IR in the PCOS group. The study included 35 women aged 18–46, hospitalized for menstrual disorders in the form of infrequent menstruation. In 26 women, PCOS was diagnosed on the basis of the Rotterdam Criteria; these patients qualified for the study group. The control group (n = 21) consisted of patients without menstrual disorders and without PCOS in an ultrasound examination. Patients were diagnosed between the 2nd and 5th day of the cycle. The parameters of OS were analyzed and compared with the anthropometric parameters and the lipid profile of the patients. Enzymatic activity of GPx, CAT, SOD, and MDA levels was determined in both groups. MDA levels and CAT activity differed significantly between the groups. There was a decrease in MDA levels in the IR group and the involvement of GPx in the excess weight and obesity and IR group accompanied by an increase in hip circumference. It therefore seems that IR may be the main risk factor to exposure to OS in patients with PCOS, independent from obesity. In addition, GPx is involved in every step in the development of the pathological condition in PCOS.