Early pregnancy biomarkers of inflammation and metabolic regulation in polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To profile biomarkers of inflammation and metabolic regulation in early pregnancy among women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and to assess whether these biomarkers influence the relationship between PCOS and adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study with interaction analyses using pooled baseline data from 2 international multicenter clinical trials.

SUBJECTS: One hundred and fifty-one pregnant women (at <24 weeks' gestation) at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, including 65 with PCOS and 86 without PCOS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Early pregnancy markers of inflammation and metabolic regulation were assessed, including C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukins, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1), fatty acid binding protein-4 (FABP4), growth differentiation factor-15, and adipokines (total adiponectin, leptin, resistin, chemerin, vaspin, and cathepsin-S). Biomarkers differing by PCOS status were further examined for interaction effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

RESULTS

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 concentrations were 15% higher in women with PCOS compared with those without (geometric mean ratio [GMR]: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.31; P & .04), but this association was attenuated after adjustment for maternal age and body mass index (BMI). Early pregnancy FABP4 concentrations were 32% higher in women with PCOS compared with those without (GMR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.68; P & .02), and this association remained significant after adjustment for maternal age (GMR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.05-1.71; P & .02), but was attenuated after adjustment for BMI. No other biomarkers differed by PCOS status, and MCP1 or FABP4 showed no interactions with maternal or neonatal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and FABP4 concentrations were elevated in early pregnancy among women with PCOS, largely reflecting maternal adiposity. These markers did not modify associations between PCOS and pregnancy outcomes. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to clarify underlying inflammatory and metabolic pathways.