Increased secretion of amylin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective

To investigate amylin secretion in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design

Prospective, case–control study.

Setting

Academic institution.

Patient(s)

Twenty women with PCOS and 10 with ovulatory cycles who matched for body mass index.

Intervention(s)

An oral glucose tolerance test was performed, and glucose, insulin, and amylin levels were measured at fasting and after glucose ingestion. The area under the curve for insulin, amylin, and glucose was calculated. Ten women with PCOS were treated with metformin and 10 women with rosiglitazone for 6 months. Amylin levels were measured before and after treatment.

Result(s)

Fasting amylin levels and amylin response to oral glucose were significantly increased in women with PCOS. At fasting, there was significant positive correlation between insulin and amylin levels both in women with PCOS and control subjects. After glucose ingestion, amylin response correlated with the glucose response in women with PCOS. Amylin levels decreased with metformin but not with rosiglitazone treatment.

Conclusion(s)

In women with PCOS, [1] there is increased secretion of amylin, [2] insulin and amylin secretion is coregulated in the fasting state, [3] after glucose ingestion, glucose levels regulate amylin release, and [4] the insulin-sensitizing agent metformin, but not rosiglitazone, reduces amylin secretion.

Key Words: Amylin, PCOS, metformin, rosiglitazone