A Case-Control Study of the Association of Novel Androgens (11-KT and DHT), Classical Androgens (Testosterone and DHEAS), Hormones (LH, FSH, 17-OHP, Insulin, and SHBG), Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and Dyslipidemia in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

BACKGROUND

The measurement of androgens (testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS)) remains standard for the evaluation of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) women. However, other early novel androgen markers, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), may open a separate path of measurement, which may be more potent. The study was conducted with the objectives to analyze the association of 11-KT and DHT with established markers and with the clinical profile of PCOS patients.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted on 30 newly diagnosed cases of PCOS as per the Rotterdam criteria and 30 age-matched controls. The estimation of testosterone, DHEAS, 11-KT, and DHT was performed by the enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) method. The assessment of biochemical and hormonal parameters was compared and correlated with 11-KT and DHT.

RESULTS

Compared to the controls, cases had significantly higher 11-KT (20.81 ± 3.53 vs. 15.83 ± 2.67 nmol/L, P < 0.0001) and DHT (154.39 vs. 71.02 pg/mL, P < 0.0001). 11-KT showed a significant positive correlation with total testosterone (TT) (r = 0.555) and DHEAS (r = 0.501). DHT also showed a significant positive correlation with TT (r = 0.487) and DHEAS (r = 0.52).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, novel androgen derivatives (11-KT and DHT) hold equivalent evidence for the evaluation of women with PCOS as they are raised in women with PCOS as compared to controls. Moreover, they show a good correlation with the standard markers currently used for PCOS.