This study finds no association between PCOS and inflammation, when matched with age/BMI controls. However, inflammation was associated with increased BMI. Not all women with PCOS are overweight. But, the majority are and this would contribute to inflammation and thus CVD.
insulin, in women with PCOS, promotes increased 5-alpha reductase activity. This results in a dysregulated HPA axis, promoting increased cortisol and androgen levels.
The medical field continues to be amazed that people are different. More, that different people groups are different. This study found that black women with PCOS have an elevated risk of metabolic syndrome when compared to white women with PCOS. Body weight was a variable that was controlled for. This was a retrospective study.
Animal model of PCOS provides insight to changes in vascular response. In this animal mode, DHT resulted in a decrease in vasorelaxation of arterial endothelium.
statin therapy worsens insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS. Statin therapy in this study did lower CRP, LDL and triglycerides. Of note, DHEA decreased. This should be no surprise as statins are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors which reduces hormone synthesis from cholesterol.
Licorice root extract, also known as glycyrrhizic acid, found to quickly reduce endogenous Testosterone production in women. The proposed mechanism is via inhibition of 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17-20 Lyase. This is a good adjuvant in the treatment of PCOS.
Only abstract available here. Exact complexity of the signaling involved in PCOS is yet to be determined, but increased androgens in women is proving to be a strong link between PCOS and metabolic dysfunction.