Investigation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Markers in Hyperandrogenic and Non-Hyperandrogenic Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Clinical and Biochemical Associations

Abstract

Background and objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common condition in women of reproductive age. It is linked to hormonal imbalance, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Different phenotypes may show different biological changes. This study aimed to compare inflammatory and oxidative stress markers between hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary gynecology clinic. One-hundred-four women were included in this study. They were divided into 2 groups: Group (1): A “control group” of 20 women without PCOS, and Group (2): A group of 84 women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. Group (2) was further divided into two groups: hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic PCOS (42 in each group). A “control group” of 20 healthy women was also included. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, superoxide dismutase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was no significant difference in interleukin-6 (p=0.761) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (p=0.087) between the groups. Superoxide dismutase activity was higher in both polycystic ovary syndrome groups compared to controls (p<0.001). 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels were significantly higher in the “Non-Hyperandrogenic group”, followed by the “Hyperandrogenic group”, and lowest in controls (p<0.001). Total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity showed no significant differences between the groups (p=0.236 and p=0.256, respectively). Conclusion: Oxidative stress may contribute to PCOS pathophysiology independent of hyperandrogenism Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, oxidative stress, hyperandrogenism, 8-OHdG