Effects of Whey Protein Supplementation on Body Composition and Vascular Health in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrine disorder and a leading cause of female infertility in the US. In addition, PCOS women have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hypertension (HTN) and heart disease. One of the most significant factors associated with HTN is increased circulating angiotensin II (Ang II). Metabolites generated as result of whey protein digestion improve insulin sensitivity, inhibit ACE (an enzyme responsible for production of Ang II) thereby playing an important role in the prevention of HTN and associated cardio-vascular pathologies. These benefits of whey protein ingestion have been demonstrated in normal populations and in individuals with T2DM.The purpose of this study was to examine changes in blood pressure (BP), Ang II and Adiponectin concentrations following 40 days of whey protein supplementation and to examine differences in baseline measurements of between body fat distribution in PCOS women and healthy controls (CON). Methods Women with PCOS and CON consumed 35 g of whey protein for 40 days. Baseline, Day 20 and Day 40 concentrations were measured via plasma and serum collection. Resting BP (Systolic and Diastolic pressures; SBP and DBP respectively) were measured with an electronic monitor were used to calculate mean arterial pressure (MAP) at baseline, Day 20 and Day 40. DXA was used to estimate body composition and fat distribution (total body fat, trunk fat and Android: Gynoid fat ratio [A: G]) at baseline. Results Preliminary analyses indicates that at baseline SBP was significantly lower in the CON group compared to PCOS. However, DBP and MAP had no significant differences at baseline. The PCOS group also had lower adiponectin levels at baseline when compared to the CON group. Ang II concentrations, as well as Day 20 and Day 40 analysis are currently being evaluated. Conclusions Overall, our results indicate that vascular health is compromised in young women with PCOS compared to health controls. Results from this research, will not only help provide a better understanding of the link between inflammatory markers such as Ang II and the increased risk of HTN commonly seen in women with PCOS, but it also provide a nutritional intervention to help prevent these disorders. Funding Sources Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc., TWU Research Enhancement Program, TWU Human Nutrition Research funds.