The role of inflammation, oxidation and Cystatin-C in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: The relationship between Cystatin-C levels and inflammatory, oxidant, and antioxidant markers in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was investigated. Materials and Methods: A total of 96 participants were included in the study as PCOS (n=58) and control (n=38) groups. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1B), interleukin 6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Cystatin-C were evaluated by ELISA method. Relationships metabolic and endocrine parameters seen in PCOS were examined. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyzes were performed to identify risk factors that may affect the PCOS group. Bivariate correlations were investigated by the Spearman's correlation analysis. Results: While Cystatin-c, TNF-α, IL-1B, IL-6, MDA were found to be higher in patients with PCOS compared with the control group, SOD was found to be lower than the control group (p<0.05). In the correlation analysis, increased Cystatin-C levels were found to be associated with high IL-6 (r=0.214, p=0.037) and low SOD levels (r=-0.280, p=0.006). Conclusion: In our study, it was found that the increase in Cystatin-C levels was associated with an increase in IL-6 and a decrease in SOD. These results may bring up different treatment options to reduce cardiovascular risks for treating PCOS.