Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT3757

Objective: The role of oxytocin and its potential relation with incretin hormones in regulation of food intake is not known in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aims to investigate the dynamics of oxytocin and incretins (GLP-1, GIP) in response to a mixed meal test (MMT) in women with PCOS compared to healthy controls and to examine their associations with appetite regulation, including hunger, satiety, and food craving behaviors.

Methods: Thirty-six women with PCOS (mean age: 21.6±2.6y; mean BMI:25.5±4.6 kg/m²) and 36 age- and BMI-matched healthy controls were included. Each participant underwent a standardized MMT with blood samples collected at baseline and at 30, 60 and 120 minutes after meal ingestion to measure plasma concentrations of oxytocin, GLP-1, GIP, insulin, and glucose. All tests were performed during early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Appetite regulation was assessed using validated tools, including the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to measure hunger and satiety levels during the test, and the "Food Craving Questionnaire" to evaluate the urge to overeat.

Results: Baseline oxytocin levels were significantly lower in the PCOS group compared to controls(1294±92.5 pg/ml vs 1580±83 pg/ml respectively; P=0.024). Oxytocin levels showed a significant decrease within the first 30 minutes after food intake in the control group, whereas in the PCOS group this physiological decrease was absent and no significant change in oxytocin levels were detected throughout the test. Baseline GLP-1 and GIP levels were significantly lower in the PCOS group compared to controls (P<0.001, P=0.022 respectively) and remained consistently lower throughout the test. The AUC values for GLP-1 and GIP were also significantly reduced in the PCOS group, indicating impaired incretin responses (P<0.001, P=0.033 respectively). Significant correlations between oxytocin and GLP-1 levels were observed both at baseline and during the test in the entire cohort. In the control group, the 0–30 minute change in oxytocin correlated negatively with the hunger score (r=-0.361, P=0.031) and positively with the satiety score (r=0.370, P=0.027). However, this pattern was not observed in the PCOS group. Notably, women with PCOS exhibited higher scores on the Food Craving Questionnaire, reflecting a greater propensity for food cravings (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Women with PCOS show lower fasting oxytocin, GLP-1 and GIP levels and impaired response of these hormones to food intake. Altered dynamics of oxytocin, incretins and their interactions might play a role in regulation of appetite and weight in PCOS.