Authors: Koivunen, Riitta M.¹; Morin-Papunen, Laure C.¹; Ruokonen, Aimo²; Tapanainen, Juha S.¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 16, Number 12, December 2001 , pp. 2546-2551(6)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the steroidogenic response pattern to HCG in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the possible effects of metformin treatment on it. METHODS: A single injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG, 5000 IU) was given to 12 obese [body mass index (BMI) │ 27 kg/m²] women with PCOS and to 27 control women. Blood samples for assays of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), androstenedione, testosterone and oestradiol were collected at baseline and 1, 2 and 4 days after the injection. Responses to HCG were also assessed in the PCOS women after 2-month treatment with metformin (500 mg×3 daily). RESULTS: Serum 17-OHP and oestradiol concentrations peaked at 24 h in the PCOS women and preceded the maximum testosterone concentration, which was seen at 48 h. In the control women the maximum concentrations of all these steroids were reached 96 h after HCG. After metformin treatment, the basal serum testosterone concentration and the areas under the androstenedione (AUC<INF>A</INF>) and testosterone (AUC<INF>T</INF>) response curves after HCG decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that obese PCOS women have a male-type steroidogenic response pattern to a single injection of HCG and a higher androgen secretory capacity than control women, which may be explained by the increased thecal cell activity in the polycystic ovary. The slight alleviation of hyperandrogenism brought about by metformin therapy appears to be due to its effect on ovarian steroidogenesis possibly mediated by decreased insulin action.

Keywords: human chorionic gonadotrophin; metformin; polycystic ovary syndrome; steroidogenesis

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and 2: Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital of Oulu, Kajaanintie 52A, FIN-90220 Oulu, Finland

Publication date: 2001-12-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
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