Reactive Oxygen Species-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Development of Insulin Resistance and Hyperandrogenism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

CONTEXT: Insulin resistance and chronic low level inflammation are often present in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of hyperglycemia on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation from mononuclear cells (MNCs) in PCOS. DESIGN: This was a prospective controlled study. SETTING: The study was conducted at an academic medical center. PATIENTS: The study population consisted of 16 women with PCOS (eight lean, eight obese) and 15 age- and body composition-matched controls (eight lean, seven obese). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Insulin sensitivity was derived from a 2-h, 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (IS(OGTT)). ROS generation and p47(phox) protein expression were quantitated from MNCs obtained from blood drawn fasting and 2 h after glucose ingestion. RESULTS: IS(OGTT) was lower in PCOS, compared with controls (3.1 +/- 0.3 vs. 6.3 +/- 0.9, P < 0.003). The percent change in ROS generation from MNCs was higher in lean and obese PCOS, compared with lean controls (138.8 +/- 21.3 and 154.2 +/- 49.1 vs. 0.6 +/- 12.7, P < 0.003). The percent change in ROS generation from MNCs correlated positively with glucose area under the curve (r = 0.38, P < 0.05), and plasma levels of testosterone (r = 0.59, P < 0.002) and androstenedione (r = 0.50, P < 0.009). The percent change in p47(phox) from MNCs was also higher in lean and obese PCOS, compared with lean controls (36.2 +/- 18.2 and 39.1 +/- 8.0 vs. -13.7 +/- 8.7, P < 0.02), and correlated negatively with IS(OGTT) (r = -0.39, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ROS generation from MNCs in response to hyperglycemia is increased in PCOS independent of obesity. The resultant oxidative stress may contribute to a proinflammatory state that induces insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in women with this disorder.