The risk of developing cardiovascular diseases based on the determination of VEGF, MMP-9 and visfatin concentrations in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects many women, including adolescents, around the world. While PCOS is primarily known for its reproductive and metabolic implications, growing evidence suggests that it is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and visfatin in adolescent girls with PCOS in respect to their central obesity status.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Thirty-six PCOS patients were qualified for the study (mean age 15.97 ± 0.91 years, BMI 24.78 ± 5.83 kg/m²). 17 girls with abdominal obesity were included in the AO-PCOS group and 19 girls with waist circumference < 80 cm were classified into the NAO-PCOS group. Each patient had biochemical and hormonal tests performed. Furthermore, markers of endothelial dysfunction: VEGF, MMP-9, and visfatin were measured in all adolescents.

RESULTS

In the study, the AO-PCOS exhibited significantly higher levels of ALT, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, LDL cholesterol and testosterone. This group also showed statistically significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Moreover, higher concentrations of MMP-9, and VEGF and lower visfatin level were found in the group of adolescent patients with PCOS and abdominal obesity. However, significant differences were observed only in relation to MMP-9 concentration (p < 0.0001). Ssignificant positive correlation was found between MMP-9 concentration and body weight (R = 0.37; p = 0.03), waist circumference (R = 0.38; p = 0.02), BMI (R = 0.36; p = 0.03), and LDL concentration (R = 0.43; p = 0.01). Visfatin concentration showed a statistically significant negative correlation with androstenedione concentration (R = -0.53; p = 0.01). However, VEGF concentration did not show statistically significant correlations with any parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The study results suggest that abdominal obesity, coexisting in adolescent girls with PCOS, may constitute a risk factor for cardiovascular complications in this patient group.