Disturbed stress responses in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We analyzed the neuroendocrine and immune cell responses to psychosocial stress in PCOS patients compared to BMI-matched healthy controls.
METHODS: Responses to public speaking stress were analyzed in 32 PCOS patients and 32 BMI-matched healthy controls. At baseline, during, and 10- and 45-min after stress, state anxiety, cardiovascular responses, cortisol, ACTH, as well as circulating leukocyte subpopulations were analyzed, together with hsCRP and serum IL-6 concentrations.
RESULTS: In response to public speaking stress, both groups showed significant but comparable increases in state anxiety, and blood pressure (all p<0.001; time effects). The ACTH and cortisol stress responses were significantly enhanced in PCOS (both p<0.05; interaction effect). In addition, heart rate was significantly higher in PCOS (p<0.05; group effect). PCOS patients displayed a reduced upregulation of IL-6 levels in response to stress (p<0.05; interaction effect). Baseline levels of circulating leukocyte subpopulations, IL-6 and hsCRP concentrations did not differ between BMI-matched controls and PCOS patients. PCOS patients were characterized by markedly increased psychological distress.
CONCLUSIONS: PCOS patients showed enhanced HPA-axis and heart rate reactivity as well as a reduced upregulation of IL-6 in response to stress. The altered stress reactivity in PCOS patients may constitute a link between depression, overweight, and the cardiovascular and diabetes risks associated with…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 32 participants or records.
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