Effects of laparoscopic ovarian drilling on serum vascular endothelial growth factor and on insulin responses to the oral glucose tolerance test in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the serum vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations and insulin responses to the oral glucose tolerance test before and after laparoscopic ovarian drilling in women with PCOS. Design: Prospective study. Setting: University teaching center. Patient(s): Twenty-seven women with clomiphene citrate–resistant polycystic ovary syndrome. Intervention(s): Laparoscopic ovarian drilling. Main Outcome Measure(s): VEGF levels and insulin responses to OGTT before and after ovarian drilling. Result(s): No difference was found in VEGF levels in women with PCOS before (6.0 ± 1.2 ng/mL) and after ovarian drilling (5.5 ± 1.2 ng/mL). VEGF levels before and after ovarian drilling in women who conceived were, respectively, 5.9 ± 1.0 and 5.1 ± 0.9 ng/mL and in those who did not conceive were 6.0 ± 1.3 and 5.7 ± 1.2 ng/mL. No correlation was found between baseline serum insulin and VEGF levels. VEGF concentrations in women with normal ovaries (4.5 ± 1.7 ng/mL) were significantly lower than in women with PCOS. There was no difference in glucose and insulin responses to OGTT before and after ovarian drilling. Conclusion(s): VEGF levels in women with PCOS are higher than in normal women, and ovarian drilling does not affect these levels. The procedure does not change insulin responses to OGTT.