Serum aldosterone concentration and cardiovascular risk in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with early impairment of vascular structure and a low-grade chronic inflammation. Aldosterone is a well-recognized cardiovascular risk (CVR) factor and is related to inflammatory processes. Our objective was to investigate serum aldosterone levels in PCOS and correlate them to some CVR factors and early atherosclerotic markers. A prospective baseline-controlled clinical study was conducted at the University "Federico II" of Naples School of Medicine (Naples, Italy). Fifty PCOS women age- and body mass index-matched with 50 healthy women were enrolled. Anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic patterns, including plasma aldosterone, renin, and C-reactive protein, were measured in each subject. Intima-media thickness was also evaluated in each patient and control. Aldosterone levels were significantly increased (P < 0.001) in PCOS compared with healthy women (10.5 +/- 3.2 vs. 5.7 +/- 2.5 ng/dl). In PCOS, a significant (P < 0.001) direct correlation between plasma aldosterone and homeostasis model assessment, C-reactive protein, intima-media thickness, and mean blood pressure was found. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and potassium were inversely (P < 0.001) related to serum aldosterone. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the area under the curve for insulin and homeostasis model assessment was linearly related to aldosterone in PCOS. PCOS women show an insulin resistance related increase in serum aldosterone levels.