Role of sclerostin in the bone and thyroid metabolism in patients with ovarian polycystic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

Aim: to evaluate potential role of sclerostin in pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, especially in relation to bone and thyroid metabolism.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Materials and

Methods

An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out with participation of 66 women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and 34 healthy controls. Measurements and results obtained were for serum levels of sclerostin, osteocalcin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone by using ELISA technique.

RESULTS

Results

Mean serum sclerostin levels were significantly elevated in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome group 12.5 ng/mL±4.8 compared to controls 4.8 ng/mL±2.4 with t-value having been recorded as 9.02 and P=0.000. Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome showed significantly lower serum osteocalcin levels (3.7±1.2 ng/mL vs. 5.2±2.2 ng/mL, P=0.000) and higher TSH levels (6.3±1.3 μIU/mL vs. 3.4±0.8 μIU/mL, P=0.000). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a moderate negative correlation between osteocalcin and sclerostin (r=-0.458, P=0.039). ROC analysis of sclerostin exhibited a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 62% which can be interpreted as moderate in terms of diagnostic accuracy.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions

Findings highlight that sclerostin is much raised in women with PCOS and could well be a useful biomarker of the syndrome's effects on bone and thyroid metabolism. Its moderate diagnostic performance however, further researches on its role in the pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are needed.