No relationship between osteoprotegerin concentrations and endothelial dysfunction in non-obese women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationships of osteoprotegerin (OPG) concentrations to brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and the carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS: Thirty-seven women with PCOS and 41 controls matched for body mass index (BMI) and age were included in study. The serum OPG concentrations, hormonal and metabolic profiles were measured in women with PCOS and in control group. The CIMT and brachial artery FMD were evaluated in both groups.

RESULTS: The mean serum concentrations of all hormones were comparable, except LH, which was higher in women with PCOS. Lipid parameters were similar between groups. There were no differences between groups with respect to fasting glucose, 2-h glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c and HOMA-IR. The mean osteoprotogerin concentrations were higher in PCOS group (11.39 ± 2.29 vs. 10.22 ± 2.25 pmol/L, P = 0.026). The mean CIMT was higher in PCOS group than control group (0.52 ± 0.058 vs. 0.45 ± 0.059 mm, P < 0.01). The mean brachial artery FMD was lower in PCOS group (0.068 ± 0.022 vs. 0.055 ± 0.029, P = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS: We found high osteoprotogerin concentrations, increased CIMT and decreased FMD, in women with PCOS. However, there was no correlation between osteoprotegerin and cardiovascular risk markers.