The Association of Leukocyte Increase with Hyperandrogenism and Body Mass Index in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the white blood cells (WBC) count in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with the controls and to assess its relationship between metabolic markers and hormonal measures. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively. One hundred-thirty women with PCOS and 71 healthy women with regular menses were included in the study. General characteristics and anthropometric measures were analyzed. Hormonal, metabolic and inflammatory parameters were studied in all subjects at the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Results:  The average age and body mass index (BMI) of PCOS and the control groups were similar ( P =0.071 and P =0.063, respectively). Inflammatory markers, WBC [6.00 (4.51-7.17) vs. 7.20 (5.91-8.41);( P <0.001)] and c-reactive protein (CRP) [3.45 (3.30-3.61) vs. 3.48 (3.45-4.98); ( P =0.031)] were significantly higher in the PCOS group. In multiple regression analysis in a model when WBC is the dependent variable and total testosterone (TT), sex hormone binding globuline (SHBG), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were the predictors, WBC was positively associated with TT levels and BMI even after adjustment for confounders ( P =0.006; P =0.039, respectively). Conclusion: WBC is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease, is elevated in women with PCOS and is explained by both obesity and hyperandrogenemia.