Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology
Endocrine Abstracts (2006) 11 P249

ECE2006 Poster Presentations Cytokines and growth factors (33 abstracts)

Plasma interleukin 18 in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome – relation to insulin resistance

I Kowalska 1 , M Straczkowski 1 , A Nikolajuk 1 , A Kozlowska 1 , M Karczewska-Kupczewska 1 , A Adamska 1 , S Wolczynski 2 , I Kinalska 1 & M Gorska 1


1Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland; 2Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.


Aim of the study: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is common disease affecting women in reproductive age which leads to anovulation. In pathogenesis of PCOS insulin resistance plays an important role. The aim of the present study was to look for possible relationship between interleukin 18 (IL-18) and insulin resistance in patients with PCOS.

Material and Methods: The study was done in 76 patients with PCOS and 40 women without menstrual disturbances. The oral glucose tolerance test with glucose and insulin estimations was performed in all the women. In the fasting plasma concentration of IL-18, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, adiponectin, IL-6, sIL6R, SHBG and hormonal parameters were estimated. Hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp was done to determine insulin sensitivity. The study was approved by the local Ethics Committee.

Results: In the PCOS group, lower insulin sensitivity index (P=0.0063), higher fasting glucose (P=0.024), insulin (P=0.0014) as well as higher post-load glucose (P=0.014) and insulin (P=0.046) were observed. PCOS group had significantly higher testosterone (P=0.000) and LH concentration (P=0.000), whereas SHBG concentration was markedly decreased (P=0.001). IL-18, IL-6, and sIL6R concentrations were not statistically different between studied groups. In the patients with PCOS increase of sTNFR2 was observed (P=0.039). Correlation analysis revealed significant inverse correlation between IL-18 and insulin sensitivity index (r=−0.39; P=0.0008), adiponectin (r=−0.46; P=0.033), HDL-cholesterol (r=−0.29; P=0.015).IL-18 was related to BMI (r=0.27; P=0.017), waist girth (r=0.32; p=0.003), WHR (r=0.38; P=0.0006), sTNFR1 (r=0.41; P=0.00029), sTNFR2 (r=0.22; P=0.058), IL-6 (r=0.31; P=0.006).

Conclusion: The obtained results suggest that IL-18 could play a role in pathogenesis of insulin resistance in patients with PCOS.

Volume 11

8th European Congress of Endocrinology incorporating the British Endocrine Societies

European Society of Endocrinology 
British Endocrine Societies 

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