Liver Affection in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Background/Aims: Polycystic ovary syndrome an endocrine diseases in women, affecting up to 10% of women of reproductive age. Insulin resistance and metabolic syndromes are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which is thought to have a key role in its pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD.The aim of the present study was to determine the biochemical and ultrasonic characteristics of liver in women with PCOS.Methods: A prospective study of patients with PCOS and no current pharmacological treatment was conducted. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound following exclusion of alcohol consumption, viral, or autoimmune liver disease, and known diabetics. Anthropometric variables, serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipids and aminotransferases, and HOMA index were determined.Results: Fifty-three PCOS patients (Mean age: 24.68± 7.2yr, mean body mass index [BMI]: 32.4±8.9kg/m²) were included; 46/53-PCOS patients (67.8%) had ultrasound diagnosed NAFLD. The proportion of patients with PCOS having abnormal levels of ALT, AST, GGT reached 41.5% (22/53); 39.6% (21/53); 34% (18/53). Risk factors of elevated ALT associated ultrasonic diagnosed NAFLD in PCOS patients were the metabolic-related factors such as high BMI, high fasting glucose, and dyslipidemia by univariate analyses.Conclusions: NAFLD is frequent in patients with PCOS confirming a relevant clinical association between these two conditions. Women with PCOS should be screened for liver disease.