Ovarian hyperandrogenism in polycystosis which is associated with stress caused by exposure of manganese and nickel

Abstract

Objective. High concentrations of manganese and nickel in the serum of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have been detected in our previous studies. The aim of this investigation was to study the features of the adrenal hormones metabolism in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with a high level of manganese and nickel exposure. Material and Methods. Two groups of women were formed for study. The first group consisted of women with PCOS. Patients with Cushing's syndrome were not included in this group. The second group – control group, consisted of healthy women of reproductive age. Serum total testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OP), cortisol (C) were identified using ELISA in the early follicular phase. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using Student's test and Mann-Whitney. Results. Women with PCOS had enhanced levels of all studied hormones and metabolites in serum in comparison with the control group (P <0,05). An analysis of reference values frequency exceeding was done. Results showed that most often there was an increase in 17-OP level in 60.0% of cases and DHEAS in 52.38% of cases. Since 17-OP is not synthesized in the ovaries of women with PCOS, we assume that its synthesis is associated with activation of adrenal function. 17-ОР is a precursor for the synthesis of cortisol and androgens. According to the authors, adrenal function activation is associated with stress caused by manganese and nickel toxic concentrations. Cortisol relates to hormonal markers of stress. Women with PCOS had increased levels of C in 30.56%. In conditions of manganese and nickel increased level exposure determining of 17-OP can be useful in the diagnosis of hyperandrogenism. Conclusions. Significantly increased levels of hormones and metabolites predominantly of adrenal origin have been noted in women with PCOS. Revealed violations could be a manifestation of hormonal stress caused by toxic effects of manganese and nickel and are a protective mechanism of organism adaptation to adverse conditions. The process of adaptation to environmental stress is accompanied by dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system.

Keywords

• hormones
• oxidative stress
• polycystic ovarian syndrome
• adrenal glands
• manganese
• nickel