OBJECTIVE: To investigate body fat distribution in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Body weight, body mass index (BMI), and six indices of body fat measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were compared in 40 women with PCOS and 97 age-matched controls. The possible correlations between the body fat characteristics and serum androgen levels were evaluated in the 40 PCOS women. Body fat distribution was classified into upper- (N = 24) and lower-half body type (N = 16), and androgen levels and the incidence of hirsutism were compared in the two types. RESULTS: The BMI, body fat ratio, upper-half body fat ratio, and upper-half/lower-half body fat ratio were significantly higher in PCOS women than in controls. After adjustment for age, height, and body weight, the upper-half/lower-half body fat ratio was still significant (P < .001). The PCOS subjects exhibited a significant positive correlation between the upper-half/lower-half body fat ratio and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) levels (r = 0.607, P < .01) as well as testosterone levels (r = 0.585, P < .05). Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and testosterone levels were significantly higher in those with the upper-half body type than in those with the lower-half body type (P < .001). After adjustment for confounding variables, only DHEA-S was still significantly higher in this body type (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Serum DHEA-S levels seem to be associated with upper-half body fat distribution in women with PCOS, irrespective of body weight.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate body fat distribution in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Body weight, body mass index (BMI), and six indices of body fat measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were compared in 40 women with PCOS and 97 age-matched controls. The possible correlations between the body fat characteristics and serum androgen levels were evaluated in the 40 PCOSwomen. Body fat distribution was classified into upper- (N = 24) and lower-half body type (N = 16), and androgen levels and the incidence of hirsutism were compared in the two types. RESULTS: The BMI, body fat ratio, upper-half body fat ratio, and upper-half/lower-half body fat ratio were significantly higher in PCOSwomen than in controls. After adjustment for age, height, and body weight, the upper-half/lower-half body fat ratio was still significant (P < .001). The PCOS subjects exhibited a significant positive correlation between the upper-half/lower-half body fat ratio and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) levels (r = 0.607, P < .01) as well as testosterone levels (r = 0.585, P < .05). Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and testosterone levels were significantly higher in those with the upper-half body type than in those with the lower-half body type (P < .001). After adjustment for confounding variables, only DHEA-S was still significantly higher in this body type (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Serum DHEA-S levels seem to be associated with upper-half body fat distribution in women with PCOS, irrespective of body weight.
Authors: C M Bruns; S T Baum; R J Colman; D A Dumesic; J R Eisner; M D Jensen; L D Whigham; D H Abbott Journal: Int J Obes (Lond) Date: 2007-05-01 Impact factor: 5.095
Authors: E Faloia; P Canibus; C Gatti; F Frezza; M Santangelo; G G M Garrapa; M Boscaro Journal: J Endocrinol Invest Date: 2004-05 Impact factor: 4.256