THU632 Musculoskeletal Composition And Function In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Early Evidence From A Prospective Study

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: M. Kazemi: None. J. Michalak: None. I.B. Xavier: None. S.A. Parry: None. M.E. Lujan: None. Current evidence on the body composition of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is primarily focused on fat accumulation and impaired fat function. The relevance of PCOS to non-fat (skeletal muscle, bone) components of body composition remains unknown, despite the clinical and prognostic value for musculoskeletal function and healthy aging. We recently showed a link between PCOS and the loss of skeletal muscle mass and bone concurrent with fat infiltration. While our observations reflect an aberrant musculoskeletal composition in PCOS, any impact on function is unknown. The objective of the current study was to test the hypothesis that musculoskeletal function and composition are poorer in PCOS vs. controls without PCOS. This work represented early evidence from a prospective case-control study (N=25, age 18-35y; BMI 18.2-41.5 kg/m2). Cases were defined as those with PCOS (NIH criteria; n=12). Controls were those without PCOS (n=13). Musculoskeletal composition traits (bone mineral density [BMD], lean body mass [LBM]) were evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Furthermore, musculoskeletal function traits (maximum and average isometric strength of the hand and forearm muscles in 3 trials) were evaluated with a hydraulic dynamometer. Associations between PCOS status and traits were evaluated using generalized linear regression models. All p-values were BMI adjusted. Analyses of the musculoskeletal composition traits revealed comparable BMD between PCOS cases and controls (mean [SD]: 1.13 [0.03] vs. 1.11 [0.02] g/cm2; P=0.30). In contrast, PCOS cases showed an association with lower LBM vs. controls (40.98 [26.71] vs. 43.86 [24.10] kg; P<0.001). Regarding musculoskeletal function, PCOS cases showed an association with lower maximum (29.10 [1.89] vs. 34.46 [1.88] kg; P=0.007) and average (27.33 [1.84] vs. 32.35 [1.88] kg; P=0.008) isometric strength of the dominant hand vs. controls. Similarly, PCOS cases showed an association with lower maximum (28.10 [2.15] vs. 32.25 [1.69] kg; P<0.001) and average (26.93 [2.04] vs. 30.42 [1.61] kg; P<0.001) isometric strength of the non-dominant hand vs. controls. Quantitative musculoskeletal traits, including lower LBM and hand grip strength differ in PCOS vs. controls. These findings reflect poorer skeletal muscle mass, physical fitness, and overall health status in PCOS. If confirmed by longitudinal studies, these observations may translate to a greater risk for musculoskeletal derangements in later life stages. Potential mechanisms underlying these aberrations are being investigated and will likely reveal environmental and biological pathways (assuming interactive) beyond obesity per se. Future studies should also delineate causal pathways of PCOS to musculoskeletal aberrations. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023