Abstract

Objective: The endothelium plays an important role in the regulation of vascular tone. Arterial distensibility is a marker of functional and structural wall properties. A decreased distensibility is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Hyperandrogenism may be related to impaired systemic arterial vascular compliance. In this study, using a non-invasive ultrasonography method, we investigated endothelium dependent and endothelium independent vasodilation in the brachial artery of the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Materials and Methods: Fourteen hyperandrogenemic patients with PCOS and 18 healthy age and BMI matched controls were included in the study. Serum DHEAS, androstenedione, total and free testosterone levels were measured for the diagnosis of hyperandrogenism. Brachial artery diameter was measured at baseline, during post-occlusion reactive hyperaemia (flow-mediated, endothelium dependent dilation), and after 400 µg glyceryl trinitrate sublingually (endothelium-independent dilation). Vasodilation was expressed as the percentage change relative to the baseline diameter.

Results: Baseline flow and blood pressure were similar in the patients with PCOS and healthy subjects. Baseline vessel diameter (mm) was not statistically different between the patients with PCOS (3.2±0.3) and control group (3.1±0.4). Endothelium dependent dilation in PCOS patients (7.8±5.4%) was significantly (p