PLASMA PROLIDASE ACTIVITY AND ITS RELATION WITH NUMBER OF CYSTS IN POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Abstract

Background: Plasma prolidase, a Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP), has a role in maintaining extracellular matrix remodelling in ovary. The aim of this study was to find out the activity and association with the clinical and biochemical parameters of plasma prolidase in different phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Methods: Total 90 women (16-22 years) with PCOS were enrolled in the study. Data regarding anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI and WHR) were taken. Transabdominal ultrasonography was done by trained sonographer. Hormonal tests (free testosterone, FSH, LH), and metabolic tests (including FBS) were done by chemiluminescence analyzer. Participants were divided into four groups. Group 1 (n=25), hyperandrogenism with oligo-anovulation (HO), Group 2 (n=26), polycystic ovary with oligo-anovulation (PO), Group 3 (n=20), hyperandrogenism with polycystic ovary (HP), Group 4 (n=19), with presence of all these three features (PHO). Five ml blood sample was taken for plasma Prolidase by Spectrophotometry. Kruskal Wallis test and spearman correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results: Among 90 women 52.2% had both polycystic ovaries, 13.3% has one polycystic ovary and 34.4% had normal ovaries on ultrasound. Median difference of plasma Prolidase, LH, FSH, free testosterone and HOMA-IR between groups were found statistically significant (p<0.05). Plasma Prolidase had a direct relation (r=0.374) with number of cysts on ultrasound. Conclusion: Plasma Prolidase activity was high in PCOS phenotypes and positive correlation was found between Prolidase levels and number of cysts. Prolidase can be used as diagnostic and prognostic marker in PCOS. Pak J Physiol 2024;20(2):14-8