PATHOGENESIS AND DIAGNOSIS OF POLYCYSTIC-OVARY-SYNDROME

Objective: Growth factors (human growth hormone, HGH; insulin-like growth factor I, IGF-I) and insulin were evaluated concerning their pathogenetic significance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Methods: Twenty-eight women with signs of PCOS were examined; 24 women without signs of PCOS sen ed as controls. Results: Women with PCOS showed significantly increased androgen, IGF-I, insulin and glucose levels, higher glucose concentrations in the oral glucose tolerance test and a higher body mass index. The concentration of HGH, the HGH/IGF-I ratio and the number of insulin receptors on red blood cells were significantly decreased in women with PCOS. The insulin receptor affinity, the maximum binding and the insulin-receptor complex were increased in PCOS patients. Conclusion: A decreased number of insulin receptors, a disturbed insulin receptor binding, the resulting hyperinsulinemia as well as high levels of IGF-I are to be considered as important factors in the pathogenesis of PCOS.