Prevalence of dermatologic manifestations and metabolic biomarkers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in north China

Jin-Ge Feng; Yan Guo; Li-Ang Ma; Jin Xing; Rui-Feng Sun; Wei Zhu

doi:10.1111/jocd.12387

Prevalence of dermatologic manifestations and metabolic biomarkers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in north China

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Jun;17(3):511-517. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12387. Epub 2017 Sep 21.

Authors

Jin-Ge Feng¹, Yan Guo², Li-Ang Ma³, Jin Xing⁴, Rui-Feng Sun⁵, Wei Zhu⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Dermatology, Fu Xing Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
² Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fu Xing Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
³ Department of Physical Examination, Primary and Middle School Health Care Institute of Xuan wu District, Beijing, China.
⁴ Department of Ultrasonography, Fu Xing Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
⁵ Department of Dermatology, Xuan Wu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

PMID: 28940857
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12387

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous features of hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) include acne, hirsutism, seborrhea, androgenic alopecia (AGA), and acanthosis nigricans (AN). However, the relationships have not been well known broadly in terms of clinical hyperandrogenism and biochemical markers.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate biochemical and metabolic parameters in relation to cutaneous characters women in with and without PCOS.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study including 186 women with PCOS and 113 age-matched without PCOS women. Acne grade, hirsutism, seborrhea, AGA, and AN were recorded. Hormonal and metabolic parameters were measured.

Results: The most common finding was acne, and AN was the least dermatological manifestations between PCOS and non-PCOS groups. The severity location and type of acne did not differ in PCOS women compared to non-PCOS women. Significant differences were found with respect to free androgen index (FAI) (P = .036), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (P = .023), and body mass index (BMI) (P = .001) between PCOS with acne and PCOS without acne groups. Overall, age (P = .005) was significantly decreased, while BMI (P = .004) was significantly higher in PCOS with hirsutism. The mean serum total testosterone (TT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and FAI were significantly elevated, but SHBG was decreased between PCOS with and without hirsutism groups. There were significantly different BMI (P = .018) and triglyceride (P = .024) except other hormonal parameter of without AGA group.

Conclusion: This study indicated a strong correlation between hirsutism and metabolic abnormalities. Hirsutism is the most common cutaneous finding in PCOS women. Acne and AGA are associated with other manifestations of clinical hyperandrogenism, but not obvious markers of biochemical hyperandrogenemia and metabolic dysfunction.

Keywords: acne; androgenic alopecia; hirsutism; hyperandrogenism; metabolic biomarker; polycystic ovary syndrome.

MeSH terms

Acanthosis Nigricans / blood
Acanthosis Nigricans / epidemiology
Acne Vulgaris / blood
Acne Vulgaris / epidemiology
Adult
Age Factors
Alopecia / blood
Alopecia / epidemiology
Androgens / blood*
Biomarkers / blood
Body Mass Index
Case-Control Studies
China / epidemiology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dermatitis, Seborrheic / blood
Dermatitis, Seborrheic / epidemiology
Female
Hirsutism / blood
Hirsutism / epidemiology
Humans
Middle Aged
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / blood*
Prevalence
Retrospective Studies
Severity of Illness Index
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / metabolism*
Skin Diseases / blood*
Skin Diseases / epidemiology*
Triglycerides / blood
Young Adult

Substances

Androgens
Biomarkers
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin
Triglycerides