Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome have lower levels of IgM anti-phosphorylcholine antibodies than healthy women

Abstract

Introduction. IgM antibodies against phosphorylcholine (IgM anti-PC) are natural autoantibodies, possibly exerting one of the atheroprotective functions of the immune system. Increased levels of these antibodies reduce the development of atherosclerosis in mice, and low levels of IgM anti-PC have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study compared levels of IgM anti-PC in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, n = 111) and healthy controls (n = 79).

Method. Levels of IgM anti-PC were measured with ELISA.

Results. The median level of IgM anti-PC in patients with PCOS was not significantly different compared to control subjects. However, the proportion of patients with PCOS with low levels of IgM anti-PC, defined as number of individuals below the median level, was significantly higher than among healthy controls, p < 0.05. Patients with PCOS in the oldest age quintile had significantly lower level of IgM anti-PC than control subjects of similar age (p < 0.05) and younger women with PCOS (p < 0.01).

Conclusion. Our results indicate that women with PCOS more frequently display below-median levels of IgM anti-PC than controls and older women with PCOS have lower median anti-PC levels. Further studies of how this finding translates into actual CVD risk in women with PCOS are needed.

Keywords:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• anti-phosphorylcholine

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Helene Lettesjö for excellent technical assistance. The CVDefine kits were kindly provided by Athera Biotechnologies. The study was supported by grants from the Family Planning Foundation and Selander Foundation.