The Levels of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Insulin-Like Growth
Factor Binding Protein -3 in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Ekrem C. TOK, Devrim ERTUNÇ, Atil AKTAŞ, Saffet DİLEK
Mersin-Turkey

OBJECTIVE: Recent evidence suggests that insulin-like growth factor system may have pathophysiological implication on polycystic ovary syndrome. To address this issue, we attempted to evaluate the serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
STUDY DESİGN: We evaluated the levels of sex steroids in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, and compared with age-matched controls. Furthermore, any relationship between insulin-like growth factor and sex steroids was investigated.
RESULTS: The women with polycystic ovary syndrome had both hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia. The level of insulin-like growth factor-1 was significantly higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome regardless their body mass index. Furthermore, insulin-like growth factor-1 showed significant correlation with the levels of androstenedione, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate.
CONCLUSION: This study had contradictory results with recent published literature. This may reflect the differences about patient selection, definition of polycystic ovary syndrome, and genetic and regional differences. Large population-based studies are needed to clarify this confusion.
(Gynecol Obstet Reprod Med 2005; 11:103-106)

Key Words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Insulin-like growth factor system