Effect of 25-hydroxyvitamin D on metabolic parameters and insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Objectives: To investigate the correlation between the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Patients and methods: In 30 untreated PCOS patients and 15 control subjects, levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured. In addition, endocrine and metabolic variables were evaluated and a glucose tolerance test was performed to assess indices of insulin resistance. Results: Obese PCOS women (n= 15) had lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels than lean PCOS women (n= 15) and control subjects (8.9 +/- 3.1 vs 26.5 +/- 6.4 vs 79.2 +/- 19.1 nmol/l respectively; P < 0.001). In the entire cohort, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were negatively correlated with body mass index (r = -0.390), fasting insulin (r = -0.707), HOMA-beta (r = -0.705), and HOMA-IR (r--0.635), and positively correlated with QUICKI (r -0.723) (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: In PCOS women, low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with obesity and insulin resistance. (C) 2012 Middle East Fertility Society. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.