Women with polycystic ovary syndrome appear to have higher levels of serum bisphenol A when compared with women without the syndrome, according to researchers from Greece and the United Kingdom. In addition, bisphenol A was significantly associated with testosterone and androstenedione.
Bisphenol A is a known endocrine disruptor that is used as a plasticizer in water and baby bottles, food containers, dental materials and the linings of metal food cans.
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study that included 71 women with PCOS and 100 healthy women. The women with PCOS were matched by age and BMI with the controls. A standard 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test and blood sampling were performed in all women.
Serum bisphenol A levels were significantly higher in the group of women with PCOS (1.05 ng/mL vs. 0.72 ng/mL; P<.001). Also higher in the PCOS group were levels of testosterone and androstenedione. The researchers noted a significant positive correlation with bisphenol A levels and testosterone and androstenedione levels. The women with PCOS also had lower levels of sex hormone-binding globulin. Bisphenol A also positively correlated with insulin resistance in the PCOS group.
The women were divided into two subgroups according to their BMI — lean and overweight. In lean and overweight women with PCOS, the bisphenol A levels were higher compared with controls. Lean and overweight women also had significantly higher androgens compared with the controls.
“These new observations imply a potential role of this endocrine disruptor in PCOS pathophysiology,” the researchers wrote. “However, further investigation is required to elucidate the mechanisms linking bisphenol A with PCOS and the possible clinical implications of these findings.”
Endocrine Today reported on the preliminary results of this study when the researchers presented at The Endocrine Society 92nd Annual Meeting in June 2010.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
Article link: http://www.endocrinetoday.com/view.aspx?rid=79601
Join the Discussion