Association of oxidative stress marker ischemia modified albumin and polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescent and young girls

Objective The pathophysiologic features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) seem to be a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. However, data regarding the exact effect of oxidative stress on PCOS is conflicting. This cross sectional and case-control study was designed to compare the serum ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels in adolescent and young girls with and without PCOS. Methods A total of 41 non-obese adolescents and young girls (15–21 years) diagnosed as PCOS and 41 age and body mass index (BMI) matched controls were enrolled to study. The main features of PCOS and markers of chronic inflammation were determined together with serum IMA levels at the time of study enrollment. Results The C-reactive protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were within the normal ranges and also there were no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). Serum levels of IMA were significantly increased in adolescents with PCOS respect to healthy controls (0.44±0.12 versus 0.35±0.10 absorbance units, p<0.001). And also there was a significant positive correlation between serum IMA and BMI in all groups (r=0.274, p=0.013). Conclusion Serum IMA levels were higher in PCOS patients than in the healthy controls. This elevation may contribute to the increased cardiovascular diseases risk in PCOS patients.