Serum calcitonin gene-related peptide levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is an amino acid neuropeptide with widespread expression. It has potent effects on lipid and energy metabolism. It induces insulin resistance. This study was planned to determine CGRP levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

Forty-seven women with PCOS and 34 healthy controls were evaluated in this controlled clinical study. Serum lipid sub-fractions, postprandial and fasting glucose, insulin and other hormones (gonadotropins, androgens) and CGRP levels were measured. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was used to estimate insulin resistance.

RESULTS

Waist measurements, postprandial and fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels and free androgen index and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in subjects with PCOS. However, the women with PCOS had considerably lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than healthy subjects. Serum CGRP levels were higher in study subjects than in controls, although it was statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum CGRP level was not related with insulin resistance, ovarian hyperandrogenism and dyslipidemia in abdominally obese women with PCOS. These outcomes propose that CGRP may not play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PCOS.