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Horm Metab Res 2014; 46(10): 702-706
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1383576
Endocrine Care
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Lower Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Levels Pose a Risk for Developing PCOS

Ö. Yilmaz
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Merkezefendi State Hospital, Merkezefendi, Manisa, Turkey
,
M. Calan
2   Division of Endocrinology of Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University Medical School, Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey
,
T. Kume
3   Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dokuz Eylul University Medical School, Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey
,
P. Yesil
4   Engineering Faculty, Department of Bioengineering, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
,
D. Isik
5   Department of Psychiatry, Manisa Psychiatry Hospital, Manisa, Turkey
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 13 December 2013

accepted after second revision 04 June 2014

Publication Date:
04 July 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is an anorectic neuropeptide abundantly expressed in the central, peripheral, and enteric nervous systems, as well as in several different endocrine cell types. Besides regulating food intake and endocrine function, it is also proposed to modulate ovarian function during follicular waves in cattle and has potent inhibitory effects on follicular development. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), presenting itself with multiple follicular ovarian cysts, is the most common endocrinological disorder among women of reproductive age. Here we aimed to investigate the association of this peptide with PCOS. Our research was designed as a case-control study, in which a total of 148 subjects (73 with PCOS and 75 age- and BMI-matched Controls) were consecutively recruited. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, lipids, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, CART, and free testosterone levels were measured in all participants. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. CART levels were found to be significantly lower in patients with PCOS (PCOS: 90.77±5.98 pg/ml, Controls: 93.24±8.17 pg/ml, p=0.038). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that CART was significantly and negatively correlated with BMI and waist circumference in both (PCOS and control) groups. In Controls only, CART was positively correlated with insulin and HOMA-IR, and negatively correlated with FBG. Logistic regression analysis results are suggestive of a possible protective effect of CART against PCOS (OR: 0.94, 95% CI=0.888–0.997, p=0.038).

Key words

PCOS - CART - HOMA-IR - BMI - hs-CRP
 

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