Assessment of the mammary glands in polycystic ovary syndrome during high level of exposure to manganese and nickel

Abstract

Introduction. The authors of previous studies have found a high level of exposure to manganese and nickel in women with polycystic ovary (PCOS).Objective — to study the condition of mammary glands (MG) in women with PCOS and determine values of estradiol, prolactin (PRL) and Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). To estimate possible consequences of increased exposure to manganese and nickel to the formation of MG pathology during PCOS.Material and methods. Studies were conducted in two groups of women. The first control group consisted of healthy women of reproductive age. The second group consisted of women with PCOS. The women with thyroid disease, diabetes, prolactinomas and other endocrine diseases were excluded from the study. The examination of MG was performed using ultrasound scanners. The number of cases of various forms of mastopathy was monitored. Determination of estradiol, PRL and SHBG in serum was carried out using immunoassay methods. All studies were performed with the consent of the patient and with compliance with ethical standards. Statistical processing was carried out with the definition of arithmetic mean, median. The validity of the obtained results was evaluated using following indicators: Chi-square, Shapiro-Wilka test, Fisher's F-test, Mann-Whitney’s U-test.Results. Ultrasound examination of MG was performed for 108 women in the control group and for 97 women with PCOS. In the control group, the pathology of MG was detected in 29 women (26.85%). In the second group, the pathology of MG was detected in 67 cases (69.7%; p<0.0001). In women with PCOS, the median PRL score was higher by 44.83% (p = 0.0179) compared to control. Level of estradiol did not differ in both groups (p = 0.9616). In the group of women with PCOS, the SHBG indices were slightly lower compared to controls, but differences did not find statistical confirmation (p = 0.2756).Conclusions. In women with polycystic ovary syndrome more than 2 times more often there are benign mammary gland diseases. We did not find differences in the rates of estradiol and SHBG. Exposure to manganese can lead to an increase in prolactin levels. This can stimulate the proliferative processes of MG in the absence of ovulation in women with PCOS.