Plasma neprilysin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Context. Insulin resistance has been detected in a majority of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Elevated neprilysin levels are associated with insulin resistance.Objective. The present study aims to investigate plasma neprilysin and its relationship with endocrine and metabolic characteristics in patients with PCOS.Subjects and Methods. Thirty-five premenopausal PCOS patients and 35 healthy volunteers of similar age were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, biochemical and hormonal findings and also plasma neprilysin levels were determined in these patients and healthy controls.Results. In our study, HOMA-IR values were significantly higher in PCOS patients (3.3 +/- 1.8) compared with the controls [(1.6 +/- 1), p<0.01]. Plasma neprilysin levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group compared to the control group (1502.1 +/- 1641.2 vs. 764.6 +/- 562.6 pg/mL). There was no difference in plasma neprilysin levels when PCOS patients were classified as overweight-obesity (BMI=25kg/m(2)) or non-obesity (BMI<25kg/m(2)).Conclusion. Our findings revealed significantly higher levels for plasma neprilysin and HOMA-IR values in PCOS patients when compared to controls. No significant differences were noted between obese PCOS patients and non-obese PCOS patients in terms of plasma neprilysin levels.