Oxidative stress markers are not valuable markers in lean and early age of polycystic ovary syndrome patients

Background: Early atherosclerosis and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been reported in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Oxidative stress is an accepted risk factor for the development of CVD. Aim: To evaluate the association between oxidative stress markers [ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) levels], carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), endocrine and metabolic parameters in patients with PCOS. Materials, subjects, and methods: We studied 52 patients with PCOS and 36 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. The diagnosis of PCOS was made according to the Rotterdam criteria. Metabolic, hormonal parameter and IMA, TAS, TOS levels were measured. Results: No statistically significant difference was determined in relation to age, BMI and waist-hip ratio, IMA, TAS, and TOS levels between groups. Mean IMA level was higher in PCOS patients, however, statistical significant difference was not observed. Mean CIMT and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels were significantly higher in patients with PCOS than in control subjects. Conclusion: Our study has shown that although CIMT levels, showing CVD risk, were higher in PCOS patients, TAS and TOS oxidative stress markers were found to be similar between groups, IMA was higher in PCOS patients however the difference was not reach statistical significant. The present results suggest that CIMT increases before the state of ischemia and shows preischemic state of vasculature, while oxidative stress markers are considered to be indicators of ischemia and reperfusion injury in progressive vascular disease. Further studies are needed to show the association between oxidative stress markers, CVD and PCOS.