Dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome in the sisters of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005 Aug;90(8):4797-802. doi: 10.1210/jc.2004-2217. Epub 2005 May 17.

Abstract

Context: Dyslipidemia is a feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but its pathogenesis remains controversial.

Objective: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that dyslipidemia is a heritable trait in sisters of women with PCOS.

Design: A case-control design was used.

Setting: The study took place at General Clinical Research Centers in four academic medical centers in the United States.

Patients: The subjects included 385 sisters of women with PCOS with the following reproductive phenotypes: sisters with PCOS (n = 51), sisters with hyperandrogenemia and regular menses (HA) (n = 38), unaffected sisters (n = 143), and unknown phenotypes (n = 153). One hundred twenty-five control women of comparable age, body mass index, and ethnicity to women with PCOS were included.

Interventions: Fasting blood was obtained for measurements of lipid profile, reproductive hormones, glucose, and insulin levels.

Main outcome measures: The main outcome measures included lipid and lipoprotein levels and prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

Results: Sisters with PCOS and HA phenotypes had higher total (P < or = 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P < or = 0.01) compared with unaffected sisters and control women. Triglyceride levels were elevated only in sisters with the PCOS phenotype (P < 0.05). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was increased in sisters with the PCOS (n = 29) and HA (n = 17) phenotypes compared with unaffected sisters (n = 85) (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions: Low-density lipoprotein levels are increased in affected sisters of women with PCOS consistent with a heritable trait. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increased in affected sisters.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipidemias / epidemiology
  • Hyperlipidemias / genetics*
  • Metabolic Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome / genetics*
  • Phenotype
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / genetics*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Siblings