Endocan As A Potential Marker of Early Endothelial Dysfunction In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinological disease in women of reproductive age and has a wide range of metabolic effects. Chronic low-grade inflammation and endothelial dysfunction plays a key role in the pathogenesis of PCOS and they are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Endocan, is an inflammatory marker showing endothelial dysfunction. The aim of our study, to compare serum endocan levels in PCOS and healthy control groups and to determine the relationship between some cardiovascular risk factors and serum endocan levels. Materials and Methods: This case-control study included 52 PCOS patients and 59 age-matched healthy controls. Patients were diagnosed as PCOS based on 2003 Rotterdam criteria. Demographic data, history of menstrual irregularity and infertility, polycystic ovary appearance in ultrasonography and hirsutism status were recorded. Endocan levels of PCOS patients and controls were compared. Data analysis was performed by using SPSS-22 for Windows (Statistical Package for Social Science, SPSS Inc. Chicago IL, USA®Z). Results: The median (IQR) value of serum endocan level was 420.7 ng/L (355.2-570.3) in the PCOS group and 320.0 ng/L (219.9-455.9) in the control group (p=0,003). While there was no significant correlation between serum endocan and some cardiovascular risk factors such as waist circumference, hip circumference, BMI, LDL, triglyceride, systolic and diastolic arterial tension but a positive correlation was found between homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (r= 0.276, p= 0,003). Conclusion: Serum endocan levels are higher in PCOS patients, in line with the literature. Endocan level shows a significant correlation with insulin resistance, one of the metabolic parameters. This may be a sign of early endothelial dysfunction in PCOS.