IL-6 serum levels and production is related to an altered immune response in polycystic ovary syndrome girls with insulin resistance.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is frequently characterized by obesity and metabolic diseases including hypertension, insulin resistance, and diabetes in adulthood, all leading to an increased risk of atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to evaluate serum and production of inflammatory markers in adolescent Sardinian PCOS. On the basis of HOMA findings, patients were divided into noninsulin resistant (NIR) and insulin resistant (IR), and were weight- and age-matched with healthy girls.

Obesity-related lipid profile and altered insulin incretion in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Purpose: The objective of this study was evaluate influence of body mass index (BMI), hyperinsulinemia and/or insulin resistance (IR), and androgens on the lipid profile of adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: A total of 71 PCOS and 94 healthy adolescent girls from a Southern Italian region were included in the study. At day 5-8 of menstrual cycle, patients underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test to evaluate insulin levels; lipid and homocysteine levels were also assessed, baseline hormonal assays and ultrasound examination performed, and anthropometric characteristics measured.

Diagnosis of metabolic disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Unlabelled: Although there is a widespread on-going debate throughout the scientific community with regard to the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome, the association between this frequently observed endocrine disorder and insulin resistance has been universally acknowledged. Numerous tests have been proposed for use in assessing reduced sensitivity to insulin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The gold standard is represented by the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, although not yet available for application in routine clinical practice in view of its complexity and high cost.

Risk assessment does not explain high prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in a large group of Sardinian women.

Background: A very high prevalence (22.3%) of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was recently reported following our study on a large group of Sardinian women. In order to explain such a high prevalence we sought to characterise our obstetric population through the analysis of risk factors and their association with the development of GDM.

Autoimmunity in gestational diabetes mellitus in Sardinia: a preliminary case-control report.

Background: We previously reported a high prevalence (22.3%) of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a large group of Sardinian women, in contrast with the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. Sardinia has an unusual distribution of haplotypes and genotypes, with the highest population frequency of HLA DR3 in the world, and after Finland, the highest prevalence of Type 1 diabetes and Autoimmune-related Diseases.

Hirsutism and hyperandrogenism associated with hyperreactio luteinalis in a singleton pregnancy: a case report.

The incidence of hyperandrogenism during pregnancy is low, although the incidence of some of the ovarian diseases that can cause it is higher. Hyperreactio luteinalis is a rare benign condition that may mimic ovarian and trophoblastic malignancies. A 23-year-old woman at 20 weeks' gestational age presenting with severe hirsutism and ovarian masses was treated conservatively and subsequently gave birth to a healthy female neonate.

Failure of the homeostatic model assessment calculation score for detecting metabolic deterioration in young patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective: To verify whether the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) test is a suitable method for the identification of metabolic deterioration in normal-weight patients affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design: Prospective clinical study.

Setting: Academic clinic and research environment in Cagliari, Italy.