Correlation between Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate and LDL Cholesterol in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder in the female of childbearing age. Polycystic ovarian syndrome patients are also at risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. One of the factors that can affect those disorders is the androgen level. The adrenal gland produces dehydroepiandrosterone, and the effect of its metabolite dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is different from testosterone. The DHEA and DHEAS might have a protective effect on dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disorder. According to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol is an important parameter for dyslipidemia therapy guidelines. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between DHEAS and LDL cholesterol. This research was a cross-sectional study. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and LDL cholesterol levels were measured in 25 research subjects by chemiluminescent immunoassay (Immulite®, Siemens) and colorimetric enzymatic assay (Dimension EXL®, Siemens). These subjects were divided into three groups, according to the Rotterdam 2003 criteria. Spearman and Pearson's correlation statistical analysis was used with a p-value < 0.05. This study showed a moderate negative correlation between DHEAS and LDL cholesterol (r=-0.441, p=0.027). Group D PCOS (non-hyperandrogenic) had a strong negative correlation between DHEAS and LDL cholesterol (r=-0.717, p=0.001). Some references suggested that DHEA was shown to activate Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Response γ (PPAR γ) receptors, thereby increasing LDL cholesterol receptors in adipose tissue LDL cholesterol uptake from serum. The increase in DHEAS might indicate a better prognosis for PCOS patients in cardiovascular complications, especially in group D PCOS.