Polycystic ovarian syndrome is linked to increased oxidative stress in Omani women

Abstract

Purpose

Literature emerging from Western countries has reported increased levels of serum oxidative stress markers among polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) women. In the Arab region, there is limited research about the association between oxidative stress and PCOS. This study aimed to compare sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, sex hormones, and oxidative stress indices between PCOS women and non-PCOS women and to investigate the correlation between oxidative stress biomarkers and sex hormones.

Methods

This hospital-based case-control study was conducted among reproductive-aged women. The study included 51 women diagnosed with PCOS (as per Rotterdam 2003 criteria) and 45 control women who were not diagnosed with PCOS. Serum samples were collected to measure the mean levels of the following sex hormones: total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estradiol and progesterone, as well as to measure biomarkers of oxidative stress including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

Results

PCOS women exhibited clinical characteristics including irregular menses, hirsutism, and acne compared to the control group (P≤0.05). Significant differences were observed in the waist-hip ratio of PCOS women compared to controls (P=0.004). GPx and GR activity levels appeared to be higher among PCOS women compared to controls; however, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups (P>0.05). PCOS women had lower GSH and TAC levels compared to controls with a statistically significant difference observed for GSH levels (P=0.006). Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between estradiol and TAC in the total sample (r=−0.284, P=0.005).

Conclusion

This study provides supportive evidence that oxidative stress might play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS and, hence, oxidative stress parameters could be suggested as diagnostic markers for early diagnosis of high-risk groups. Also, the study provides supportive evidence that obesity and sex hormones, particularly estradiol, in PCOS may contribute to enhanced oxidative stress.

Keywords:

• PCOS
• oxidative stress
• Oman
• case-control
• anthropometric
• glutathione

Introduction

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine disorder predominantly affecting between 5%–10% of reproductive-aged women. PCOS women commonly have classical clinical features of oligo- or anovulation, obesity, and hyperandrogenism.¹ Moreover, PCOS can occur with hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary atherosclerosis, and endometrial cancer.^2–5

Oxidative stress is thought to be involved in the development of various diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, atherosclerosis, diabetes, heart failure, and infection.^6–12 Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants that results in an abnormal redox state of cells. This leads to the assembly of peroxides and free radicals that can damage different components of the cell, including nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and other molecules.^13,14 The two major forms of radicals are reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). The ROS include superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and hydroxyl radical,^15,16 and the RNS include nitric oxide and its metabolites.¹⁶

Antioxidants are a class of molecules that can reduce the destructive effects of free radicals. They are of two types: either enzymatic like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR), or non-enzymatic such as glutathione (GSH), α-tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbate (vitamin C), and β-carotene.⁶ These antioxidants have been reported to have an important role in the female reproductive system and in the pathogenesis of female infertility.^13,17

Oxidative stress has been associated with PCOS.^18–21 A meta-analysis study by Murri et al concluded that circulating markers of oxidative stress are abnormal in women with PCOS, suggesting that oxidative stress may participate in the pathophysiology of PCOS.²²

However, the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of PCOS is not yet fully understood. Studies have suggested that oxidative stress seems to be involved in PCOS by causing altered steroidogenesis in the ovaries, which subsequently contributes to increasing androgen levels, disturbing follicular development, and infertility.^23,24 Moreover, factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risks have shown to be linked to oxidative stress in PCOS women.^21,25

Although previous studies have reported an association between oxidative stress and PCOS, there is only limited research about the association between oxidative stress and PCOS in the Arab region. This study was carried out in the Sultanate of Oman, an Arab Middle East country located in southwest Asia.

A few studies have been conducted on PCOS in Oman. A hospital-based prevalence study reported 7.1 PCOS cases per 1,000 women between 25–34 years, and the overall standardized prevalence estimate was 2.8 cases per 1,000 women (95% CI 0.7, 9.6).²⁶ Al-Fazari et al found that suboptimal nutritional and dietary practices are common among Omani women with PCOS compared to controls.²⁷ Furthermore, we earlier reported higher rates of psychological burden indices among Omani PCOS women compared to controls.²⁸ Despite this, the presence of oxidative stress among PCOS women in Oman has not been explored. Therefore, this study aimed to 1) compare sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric characteristics, sex hormones, and oxidative stress indices among women diagnosed with PCOS vs non-PCOS women; and 2) investigate the correlation between oxidative stress biomarkers and sex hormones.

Materials and Methods

This hospital-based case-control study was conducted from February 2015 to January 2016 at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), a tertiary teaching hospital in Oman. Written informed consent was obtained from the participants and from parents on behalf of the participants who were younger than 18 years. The study was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee at College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University (MREC # 826).

Participants

The sample size was calculated by allowing for a level of significance (type 1 error) of 5% and 95% CI and with an a priori assumption based on the most recent meta-analysis²² that the GSH levels among PCOS cases would be 15% lower than that of the controls (0.17 vs 0.20 µmol/mL), with a common standard deviation of 0.05 and a case-to-control ratio of 1:1. The power calculation indicated a sample size of 88 participants was required to achieve a power of 80% for the study.²⁹

The study involved 96 women within the age category of 16–49 years: 51 PCOS cases and 45 controls who shared similarities in ethnicity, culture, and quality of care. Convenience sampling and simple random sampling were used to select cases and controls, respectively.

Ascertainment and selection of cases

The ascertainment of PCOS diagnosis was based on Rotterdam criteria, which defines PCOS syndrome by any two of the following three characteristics: oligo- and/or anovulation, clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasonography with the exclusion of related disorders.³⁰ Pregnant, menopausal, or post menopausal women or those with specific tumors or endocrine-related diseases were excluded from this study. A total of 53 eligible participants were identified as PCOS cases from the Obstetrics & Gynecology (OBGYN) outpatient clinic. The number of PCOS women who agreed to participate was 51, resulting in a response rate of 96%. Two senior gynecologists examined all PCOS cases, and the agreement between the two gynecologists about PCOS ascertainment was 96%. Upon independent review and discussion of patients’ profiles by the research team, the percentage agreement reached 100%.

Ascertainment and selection of controls

The enrolled controls were selected from a random sample of 180 potential controls who had visited the OBGYN outpatient clinic during the recruitment phase of the study. Eligible controls included non-pregnant women of reproductive age who were not diagnosed with PCOS and did not have specific tumors or any other endocrine-related diseases.

Based on the random sampling scheme, 59 potential controls were selected. The eligible controls who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were 55. Of this group, only 45 were recruited because some refused to participate while others provided incomplete information, yielding a response rate of 82%. Two senior gynecologists clinically examined all controls to exclude the possibility that they may have had subclinical PCOS features. Percentage agreement by both the gynecologists was found to be 96%. The percentage of agreement reached 100% following an independent review and discussion of the patients’ profiles with the research team.

Study tools

The study questionnaire

A standardized and validated questionnaire was filled during a face-to-face interview.²⁷ The questionnaire included information about: 1) sociodemographics, 2) comorbidities, 3) clinical features, 4) vitamin and mineral intake, and 5) anthropometric measurements.

Anthropometric measurements

Body weight (in kg) and height (in cm) measurements were performed using standard procedures. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as follows: weight (kg)/height² (m²). BMI reference values were defined as normal, overweight, and obese at 18.5–24.9, 25.0–29.9, and ≥30.0 kg/m², respectively.³¹

Waist-hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) were measured according to standard protocols. As per the World Health Organization, WHR standards for female were considered to indicate low, moderate, and high risk for chronic diseases/metabolic complications at <0.80, 0.80–0.84, and ≥0.85, respectively; and abdominal obesity was defined as a WHR >0.85 for females or a BMI >30.0 kg/m².³¹ WC cutoff points for female were reported to infer low, moderate, and high risk for chronic diseases/metabolic complications at ≤80.0, 80.1–88.0, and >88.0 cm, respectively.³¹

Biochemical assays

A total of 5 mL of venous blood was withdrawn into a plain tube by a specialized nurse via venipuncture. Blood samples were collected between days 2 and 4 of the menstrual cycle (i.e. follicular phase) to measure total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and estradiol levels, and during the middle luteal phase to measure progesterone levels. Among women who had had amenorrhea within the previous 6 months, blood samples were taken for hormonal analysis at random. Sex hormones in the sera were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay system using UniCel DxI 600 Access (Beckman Coulter, Inc., Brea, CA, USA).

Oxidative biomarkers in the sera were measured for the two groups according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Biovision, Inc., Milpitas Boulevard, CA, USA). GPx was measured using a GPx activity colorimetric assay kit (K762-100), GR was measured using a GR activity colorimetric assay kit (K761-200), GSH was measured using a glutathione fluorometric assay kit (K264-100), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured using a TAC colorimetric assay kit (K274-100).

Data analysis

Significant statistical differences between the proportions of categorical data were evaluated using chi-square analyses. For a small sample size where the expected frequency was less than five in any of the cells in 2×2 tables, the non-parametric Fisher’s exact test (two-tailed) was used. To evaluate the significant differences between the mean values of two continuous variables, the unpaired Student’s t-test was used. The non-parametric test (Mann–Whitney U test) was used to ascertain significant differences when the assumption of normality was violated. Continuous variables were represented as mean and standard error of the mean (SEM). Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was calculated to assess correlations between the continuous variables. Wherever appropriate, the non-parametric Spearman’s correlation coefficient replaced the Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Univariate logistic regression modeling was used to obtain ORs and 95% CIs, which were taken as measures of association between PCOS and selected risk factors. Multilinear regression modeling was used to obtain standardized β coefficients as measures of association between the continuous outcome variables and potential predictors. For all statistical tests, P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. All statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 24.0; IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA), and GraphPad Prism software (version 5.0; GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA).

Results

Overall, a total of 96 Omani women were included in the study, of which there were 51 (53.1%) PCOS cases and 45 (46.9%) controls. Table 1 shows the sociodemographic characteristics of PCOS cases and controls. The majority of participants were married (91.7%) and 51% were between 26–34 years. The mean age of the case and control groups was 29.9±6.2 and 32.2±6.3 years, respectively. In addition, 55.2% had acquired university education and 53.1% were employed. There were no statistically significant differences between PCOS cases and controls for all the sociodemographic characteristics. Table 1 also shows selected clinical characteristics of participants. Overall, the proportions of women with irregular menses (82.4%), hirsutism (84.3%) and acne (29.4%) were significantly higher in the case group compared to the control group (P≤0.05). In addition, the proportions of women with a history of vitamin B₁₂ and regular folate intake tended to be lower in the case group than those in the control group; however, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups (P>0.05).

Table 1 Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the study groups, Oman, 2017

Characteristics	Total	Cases	Controls	P-value
	(N=96)	(N=51)	(N=45)
	n (%)	n (%)	n (%)
Age (years)				0.43
≤25	19 (19.8)	11 (21.6)	8 (17.8)
26–34	49 (51.0)	28 (54.9)	21 (46.7)
≥35	28 (29.2)	12 (23.5)	16 (35.5)
Marital status				0.14
Unmarried	8 (8.3)	2 (3.9)	6 (13.3)
Married	88 (91.7)	49 (96.1)	39 (86.7)
Education level				0.63
School educated	43 (44.8)	24 (47.1)	19 (42.2)
University educated	53 (55.2)	27 (52.9)	26 (57.8)
Employment status				0.21
Employed	51 (53.1)	24 (47.1)	27 (60.0)
Unemployed	45 (46.9)	27 (52.9)	18 (40.0)
Monthly family income (OMR)				0.68
<400	15 (15.6)	6 (11.8)	9 (20.0)
400–799	26 (27.1)	14 (27.5)	12 (26.7)
800–1,199	18 (18.8)	11 (21.5)	7 (15.5)
>1,200	37 (38.5)	20 (39.2)	17 (37.8)
Irregular menses	55 (57.3)	42 (82.4)	13 (28.9)	<0.001
Presence of hirsutism	44 (45.8)	43 (84.3)	1 (2.2)	<0.001
Presence of acne	20 (20.8)	15 (29.4)	5 (11.1)	0.04
History of vitamin B12 intake	12 (12.5)	6 (11.8)	6 (13.3)	0.82
History of folate intake				0.15
Regular supplementation	32 (33.3)	15 (29.4)	17 (37.8)
Irregular supplementation	50 (52.1)	31 (60.8)	19 (42.2)

Abbreviation: OMR, Omani Rials.

Table 2 shows the anthropometric characteristics of the study groups. The proportion of obese women tended to be higher in the PCOS group compared to the control group (52.9% vs 40.0%); however, the difference was statistically non-significant (P>0.05). Moreover, the proportion of women with a high risk for chronic diseases/metabolic complications – as reflected by WHR – was significantly higher in the case group compared to the control group (70.6% vs 37.8%, P=0.004). A similar pattern was also observed in that the proportion of women with a high risk for chronic diseases/metabolic complications – as reflected by WC – appeared to be higher in the case group compared to the control group (56.9% vs 42.2%). Nonetheless, the difference was not found to be statistically significant (P>0.05).

Table 2 Anthropometric characteristics of the study groups, Oman, 2017

Characteristics	Total	Cases	Controls	OR (95% CI)	P-value
	(N=96)	(N=51)	(N=45)
	n (%)	n (%)	n (%)
BMI					0.47
Normal	24 (25.0)	11 (21.6)	13 (28.9)	1.0
Overweight	27 (28.1)	13 (25.5)	14 (31.1)	1.10 (0.36, 3.30)
Obese	45 (46.9)	27 (52.9)	18 (40.0)	1.77 (0.65, 4.82)
WHR					0.004
Low riska	18 (18.8)	5 (9.8)	13 (28.9)	1.0
Moderate riska	25 (26.0)	10 (19.6)	15 (33.3)	1.73 (0.47, 6.39)
High riska	53 (55.2)	36 (70.6)	17 (37.8)	5.51 (1.69, 17.95)
WC					0.28
Low riska	31 (32.3)	13 (25.5)	18 (40.0)	1.0
Moderate riska	17 (17.7)	9 (17.6)	8 (17.8)	1.56 (0.47, 5.12)
High riska	48 (50.0)	29 (56.9)	19 (42.2)	2.11 (0.84, 5.29)

Note:

a Risk for chronic diseases/metabolic complications.

Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index; WHR, waist-hip ratio; WC, waist circumference.

Also, the OR generated by logistic regression analysis indicated an increasing risk pattern for the anthropometric characteristics of PCOS women. The results showed that PCOS women were at a higher risk for obesity compared to non-PCOS women (OR =1.77, 95% CI 0.65, 4.82). Moreover, a stronger measure of association was observed for a high risk of chronic diseases, as demonstrated by WHR (OR =5.51, 95% CI 1.69, 17.95) and WC (OR =2.11, 95% CI 0.84, 5.29), among PCOS women.

Table 3 lists the mean levels of sex hormones and oxidative stress biomarkers among PCOS cases and controls. Testosterone (P<0.001) and DHEAS (P=0.001) levels were significantly higher among PCOS cases compared to controls. Although the levels of estradiol tended to be higher among PCOS cases compared to controls, the difference was statistically non-significant between the two study groups (P>0.05). On the contrary, progesterone levels were significantly lower among PCOS cases compared to controls (P<0.001). In addition, GPx and GR activity levels tended to be higher among PCOS cases compared to controls, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). Moreover, GSH levels were significantly lower among PCOS cases compared to controls (P=0.006) (Figure 1). Similarly, TAC levels tended to be lower among PCOS cases than controls, although the difference observed between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05) (Figure 2).

Figure 1 GSH levels among controls vs PCOS cases.

Note: Results are expressed as mean±SEM.
Abbreviations: GSH, glutathione; PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome; SEM, standard error of mean.

Figure 2 TAC levels among controls vs PCOS cases.

Notes: Results are expressed as mean±SEM. P>0.05.
Abbreviations: TAC, total antioxidant capacity; PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome; SEM, standard error of mean.

Table 3 Mean levels of sex hormones and oxidative stress biomarkers among the study groups, Oman, 2017

Parameter	Cases	Controls	P-value
	(N=51)	(N=45)
	Mean±SEM	Mean±SEM
Testosterone (nmol/L)	1.83±0.81	1.10±0.60	<0.001
DHEAS (µmol/L)	5.31±2.37	3.80±1.90	0.001
Estradiol (nmol/L)	0.45±0.63	0.24±0.24	0.30
Progesterone (nmol/L)	15.38±16.86	34.75±19.82	<0.001
GPx (U/L)	9,174.58±1,063.20	7,498.73±639.96	0.43
GR (U/L)	499.92±79.84	435.12±25.29	0.25
GSH (mg/mL)	6.32±1.59	11.22±4.22	0.006
TAC (mmol/L)	3.80±0.12	4.04±0.14	0.49

Abbreviations: DHEAS, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; GPx, glutathione peroxidase; GR, glutathione reductase; GSH, glutathione; TAC, total antioxidant capacity; SEM, standard error of mean.

Table 4 shows the correlation between oxidative stress biomarkers and sex hormones. Generally, a weak correlation was found between oxidative stress biomarkers and sex hormones. The table shows a significant negative correlation between estradiol and TAC (r=−0.284, P=0.005). On the contrary, a positive correlation was found between progesterone and GSH; nonetheless, the correlation was statistically non-significant (r=0.221, P>0.05).

Table 4 Correlation between oxidative stress biomarkers and sex hormones, Oman, 2017

	GPx	GR	TAC	GSH
Testosterone	0.062	−0.074	0.079	−0.173
DHEAS	0.080	−0.061	0.045	−0.170
Estradiol	−0.151	−0.163	−0.284a	0.029
Progesterone	−0.063	0.018	−0.099	0.221

Notes:

a Correlation is significant. P=0.005.

Abbreviations: DHEAS, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; GPx, glutathione peroxidase; GR, glutathione reductase; TAC, total antioxidant capacity; GSH, glutathione.

Table 5 shows the multilinear regression modeling of the association between TAC levels and each of the sex hormones and anthropometric parameters. Estradiol was the major significant predictor of oxidative stress, as determined by a reduction in TAC levels, after adjusting for all study parameters (β=−0.380, P<0.001). Among the anthropometric indicators, the regression model illustrated potential associations between decreasing TAC levels and increasing obesity parameters (i.e. BMI and WHR). Nonetheless, these associations were statistically non-significant (P>0.05). This regression model accounted for 20.3% of the variability in TAC among Omani women, as indicated by the R² value of the model. Estradiol alone accounted for an 8.1% of decrease in TAC (R²=8.1%, P=0.005).

Table 5 Multilinear regression modeling of the association between TAC levels and each of the sex hormones and anthropometric parameters, Oman, 2017

Predictor	Regression statistics		P-value
	Standardized β	SE
Testosterone	0.049	0.132	0.68
DHEAS	0.084	0.045	0.46
Estradiol	−0.380	0.182	<0.001
Progesterone	0.031	0.005	0.76
BMI	−0.341	0.033	0.23
WC	2.692	0.121	0.22
WHR	−0.900	12.306	0.28

Notes: R² value for the full model is 20.3%; R² value for the stepwise model (estradiol only) is 8.1%. (P=0.005).

Abbreviations: DHEAS, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; BMI, body mass index; WC, waist circumference; WHR, waist-hip ratio; SE, standard error.

Discussion

The present study compared sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric characteristics, sex hormones, and oxidative stress biomarkers among PCOS cases and controls. It also investigated correlations between oxidative stress biomarkers and sex hormones.

Our study showed that most of the participants were young, married, and had a university level of education. Both case and control groups were comparable in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, and the observed differences were not statistically significant. This finding signaled that the sociodemographic characteristics were less likely to confound the obtained results. Overall, our study showed that among PCOS women, the distribution of clinical indicators of irregular menses (82.4%), hirsutism (84.3%), and acne (29.4%) suggests that Omani women with PCOS have a similar phenotype to that of South Asian women with PCOS. As reported by Wijeyaratne et al and Mani et al, South Asian PCOS women had more prevalent acne, hirsutism, and irregular menses compared to Caucasian women with PCOS.^32,33 This might be explained by the geographical and cultural proximity of Oman to South Asia, resulting in shared genetic and sociocultural factors that may have led people of Oman to demonstrate phenotypic similarities to South Asians.

Our data also showed differential anthropometric characteristics – represented by BMI, WHR, and WC – among PCOS women compared to controls. Our findings are consistent with similar findings from other studies.^34,35 Also, Al-Fazari et al reported abdominal obesity to be a common feature among PCOS women in Oman.²⁷

Our data revealed significantly higher androgen levels (i.e. testosterone and DHEAS) and significantly lower progesterone levels among PCOS women in comparison to non-PCOS women. Our findings are in line with those of previous studies.^34,36,37 The high androgen levels can be explained by the pathophysiological interactions of the syndrome. Alterations in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or insulin secretion may provide a possible explanation for the high androgen levels among those women.³⁸ Because PCOS women tend to experience oligo- or anovulation, their progesterone levels tend to be low. Decreased levels of progesterone can also increase the pulse frequency of GnRH, resulting in increased levels of luteinizing hormone, and overproduction of androgens.⁵

GPx is an antioxidant enzyme that reduces H₂O₂ and lipid peroxides to water and lipid alcohols and oxidizes GSH to glutathione disulfide (GSSG).³⁹ In this study, an increased trend in the activity levels of GPx was found in the case group compared to the control group. Our results tend to be in agreement with those of another study, which reported an increase of GPx levels in tissue samples of PCOS compared to non-PCOS samples.⁴⁰ The apparent decline in GPx activity among controls is likely due to the fact that GPx has higher affinity toward peroxides and thus would scavenge most radicals produced.⁴¹

GR is an antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes the NADPH-driven reduction of GSSG to GSH.⁴² Slightly higher activity levels of GR were observed among PCOS women. This noticeable trend among PCOS women might have resulted from their greater need for the reduction of oxidized GSH formed by GPx.

GSH is a powerful and abundant antioxidant that plays a key role in protecting cells from oxidative damage.^43,44 Previous research has reported decreased blood GSH levels in chronic diseases including cancer, and gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases.⁴⁵ In the present study, a significant decrease in GSH was observed among women with PCOS compared to non-PCOS women. Our results are in line with those of previous studies, which showed a significant decrease in GSH among PCOS women.^21,46 GSH reacts with ROS by its thiol groups in the reduced state, and therefore prevents the damage of cells. Increased androgen production results in more ROS formation among women with PCOS, which may lead to the depletion of GSH.⁴⁶ The decreased levels of GSH in PCOS cases would possibly require the activation of the redox GSH cycle by activating GPx and GR enzymes to enhance the production of functional GSH.

TAC is an antioxidant biomarker measuring the antioxidant potential of body fluids and has been reported to be significantly low in several diseases.^47,48 The present data showed a reduced trend in TAC levels among PCOS women compared to the control group. This slight decrease in serum TAC levels might be a reflection of the levels of GSH, which is the main antioxidant in the body. These data tend to be in agreement with those of a previous study in Saudi Arabia, which showed lower TAC levels among PCOS women compared to non-PCOS women.⁴⁹ Hilali et al similarly reported decreased TAC levels among PCOS women compared to the control group.¹⁸

Although frequent research has been conducted on oxidative stress and hormonal variations among females, no definite conclusion has been reached regarding the association between oxidative stress biomarkers and sex hormones. Some studies have shown positive correlations while others demonstrated negative correlations or no correlations at all.^50–56 Previously reported findings have indicated that estradiol has an antioxidant effect by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities or exhibiting free radical scavenging properties.^50,57 Other findings have linked estradiol with adverse metabolic effects including increased oxidative stress.^58–60 In our analysis, a significant negative correlation was found between TAC and estradiol. Furthermore, estradiol was the major predictor of oxidative stress among all measured parameters. This suggests that estradiol may have an opposing role to oxidative defense mechanisms. On the other hand, progesterone, which is usually associated with favorable metabolic conditions and known to have antioxidant properties,^61,62 showed a positive trend with regards to the correlation with GSH, which is a major antioxidant factor.

In this study, increased BMI and WHR among PCOS women appeared to be concomitant with increased estradiol levels and decreased TAC levels. Therefore, obesity maybe linked to increased oxidative stress in women, as a result of female hormone disturbance in PCOS. The prevalence of obesity among females in Oman increased from 23.8% in the year 2000 to 26% in 2008, with 54% of females being centrally obese.^63,64 Furthermore, there has been a remarkable change in dietary and lifestyle habits in Oman in recent years, with an increase in the consumption of fast food and sugar-dense beverages and low physical activity levels, which has been accompanied by a remarkable increase in body anthropometric measurements such as BMI and WHR.⁶⁵ In addition, studies suggest that increased mitochondrial oxidative stress can occur as a result of overnutrition and decreased energy demands. Therefore, decreased cellular respiration leads to the accumulation of ROS that remain in the mitochondria, ultimately leading to H₂O₂ leakage causing cellular damage.⁶⁶

Evidence from the literature suggests that changes in oxidative status might play a role in the etiology of PCOS.^67,68 However whether oxidative stress is the cause or an outcome of PCOS requires further exploration.

Limitations

First, information gathered from the interview could have been affected by recall bias possibly resulting in a misclassification error. Thus, this limitation was overcome by ensuring that any misclassification error which occurred would most probably have been non-differential across the study groups. Second, this study was conducted merely on serum samples and not tissues or cells in which enzyme activities are higher. Therefore, the data obtained from our study are preliminary findings that may provide a useful biochemical basis for further studies on homogenized tissues from target organs. It is worth mentioning that future studies in which tissue samples are obtained from case and control groups should be designed with caution as they might be subject to ethical constraints.

Conclusion

The study provides supportive evidence that oxidative stress might play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS, and hence, these parameters may be suggested as diagnostic markers for early diagnosis and screening of high-risk groups. Also, the study provides supportive evidence that obesity and sex hormones, particularly estradiol, in PCOS may contribute to enhanced oxidative stress. Furthermore, rigorous population-based case-control studies with larger sample sizes and sampling intervals, and the integration of additional variables are needed to further explore the link between PCOS and oxidative stress. Also, conducting laboratory animal studies would contribute to detailed exploration of oxidative stress-induced molecular mechanisms in PCOS.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the physicians and nursing staff of OBGYN clinic at SQUH for their valuable support during this study.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.