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Serum zonulin is elevated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and correlates with insulin resistance and severity of anovulation
DESIGN: A case-control study.
METHODS: The study includes 78 women recently diagnosed with PCOS and 63 age-matched healthy controls recruited. Serum zonulin levels were determined by ELISA. Insulin resistance was assessed by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and Matsuda and DeFronzo's insulin sensitivity index (ISI).
RESULTS: PCOS women had higher serum zonulin levels (P=0.022). After adjustment for age and BMI, zonulin levels significantly correlated with HOMA-IR and ISI. Furthermore, PCOS women with more severe menstrual disorders had significantly higher zonulin levels and displayed an inverse correlation between zonulin and the number of menstrual cycles per year (r=-0.398, P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Serum zonulin, a biomarker for gut permeability, is increased in PCOS women and correlates with insulin resistance and severity of menstrual disorders. It suggests that alterations in gut permeability may play a role in the pathophysiology of PCOS, and serum zonulin might be used as a biomarker for both risk stratification and therapeutic outcomes in PCOS women.
History
Publication title
European Journal of EndocrinologyVolume
172Pagination
29-36ISSN
0804-4643Department/School
Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchPublisher
Bio Scientifica LtdPlace of publication
Euro House, 22 Apex Court Woodlands, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, England, Bs324JtRights statement
Copyright 2015 European Society of EndocrinologyRepository Status
- Restricted