Comparison of Androgen Levels, Endocrine and Metabolic Indices, and Clinical Findings in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Uygur and Han Ethnic Groups from Xinjiang Province in China

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare androgen levels, endocrine and metabolic indices, and clinical findings in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Uygur and Han ethnic groups from Xinjiang Province, China.Material/MethodsBetween January 2016 to May 2017 clinical data were collected from Uygur (N=82) and Han (N=100) women diagnosed with PCOS, including age, body mass index (BMI), the Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) hirsutism score, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Blood samples obtained from all study participants were used to measure androgenic steroid levels, including androgen, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and the free androgen index (FAI). Endocrine indices measured included sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and prolactin (PL). Metabolic indices measured included insulin, glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).ResultsThe FAI in Uygur women with PCOS (4.89) was significantly increased compared with Han women with PCOS (2.78) (p<0.05); androgen levels were significantly correlated with the FAI, glucose, insulin, TC, HDL, and LDL (p<0.05); androstenedione levels were positively correlated with glucose and insulin levels (p<0.05). In Han women with PCOS, androgen levels were negatively correlated with TG levels and positively correlated with TC levels (p<0.05); the FAI was positively correlated with glucose and insulin levels (p<0.05).ConclusionsThere were significant differences in androgen levels, endocrine, and metabolic indices in women with PCOS between the Uygur and Han ethnic groups from Xinjiang Province in China.

An observational analysis of blood and urine testosterone in diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome

“…Blood testosterone levels are considered the gold standard or reference for distinguishing female patients with PCOS from those with hyperandrogenism but not using PCOS. In various studies, the cutoff values for blood testosterone levels were reported as 2.37 nmol/L (Hahn et al, 2007) and 2.39 nmol/L (Zhao et al, 2018). These values are used to differentiate between the two conditions and aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions.…”

The prevalence and phenotypic manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among infertile Sudanese women: a cross-sectional study

“…In this regard, hirsutism was assessed through a modified Ferriman-Gallwey score (mFG) with a diagnostic level of ≥ 4-6 [9]. It is noteworthy that the expression of PCOS has varied depending on geographical and ethnic differences even in the same country [10]. Furthermore, phenotype A has been reported as dominant in more than half of published clinical data [11,12].…”