A Comparative Study for the Level of Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 in Normal and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Women

Abstract

Background: PCOS is described in some articles as a common condition seen in 7 to 15 per cent of women of reproductive age. The occurrence of PCOS is very complicated and its surrounded by many reasons that involve inheritable, environmental, and lifestyle factors that have not yet been determined. Definition of PCOS is restricted to at least two of the three Rotterdam criteria: Oligo/anovulation, clinical or natural hyperandrogenism, and a micro polycystic pattern (ovarian volume > 10 ml and more than 12 follicles by the ovary). Objective: This study was carried out in order to investigate the contribution of IGF-1 to PCOS and meanwhile to cast light on the means of IGF-1 in women with and without PCOS. MethodsWomen of their reproductive age were first divided into two main groups; those with PCOS (26 subjects) and without PCOS (24 subjects). Each of the two groups was subdivided once again according to BMI into obese (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) and nonobese (BMI < 27 kg/m2). IFG-1 was the primary concern of this research work, and blood samples were collected from all participants.Results: Women with PCOS have significantly higher waist circumference mean than those without, which is valid for both groups of BMI. Women with IGF-1 greater than 37.6 are likely to have PCOS with a sensitivity of 68.8% and specificity of 69.2%. Moreover, women more excellent than 32.2 are more likely to have PCOS with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 69.2%.Conclusion: This research work revealed that IGF-1 could be used as a biomarker in the diagnosis process of PCOS. Body mass index and waist circumference can also be used as indicators for PCOS according to their sensitivity and specificity. According to the results of the ROC curve, waist circumference was found to be the best among other predictors of PCOS, including IGF-1. IGF-1 was significantly correlated only with the waist circumference of normal participants.