Abnormal serum alanine aminotransferase levels are associated with impaired insulin sensitivity in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

SFX(opens in a new window)|View at Publisher| Export | Download | Add to List | More... Journal of Endocrinological Investigation Volume 32, Issue 8, September 2009, Pages 695-700 Abnormal serum alanine aminotransferase levels are associated with impaired insulin sensitivity in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (Article) Targher, G.a , Solagna, E.a, Tosi, F.a, Castello, R.a, Spiazzi, G.a, Zoppini, G.a, Muggeo, M.a, Day, C.P.b, Moghetti, P.a a Section of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, University of Verona, Piazzale Stefani 1, 37126 Verona, Italy b Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom View references (31) Abstract Background and aim: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are both associated with insulin resistance. We assessed whether NAFLD is associated with impaired insulin sensitivity in PCOS women independently of age and total adiposity. Subjects and methods: We enrolled 14 young PCOS women with NAFLD, 14 women with PCOS alone and 14 healthy controls, who were matched for age, body mass index, and total body fat (by bio-impedance analyzer). NAFLD was diagnosed by the surrogate measure of abnormal serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations (defined as ALT>19 U/l) after excluding other secondary causes of liver disease (alcohol, virus, and medications). Insulin sensitivity was measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Results: Insulin sensitivity was markedly decreased (p<0.001) in PCOS women with abnormal ALT levels, whereas it was similar between PCOS women with normal ALT levels and matched healthy controls (8.3±2.5 vs 12.1±1.7 vs 13.2±1.8 mg/min x kg of fat-free mass, respectively). PCOS women with abnormal ALT levels also had higher plasma triglycerides and lower HDL-cholesterol concentrations than those with PCOS alone. There was a strong inverse association between serum ALT levels and insulin sensitivity in the whole group of PCOS women (r=-0.59, p=0.0013). Conclusions: Abnormal serum ALT levels, as surrogate measure of NAFLD, are closely associated with impaired insulin sensitivity in young PCOS women in a manner that is independent from the contribution of age and total adiposity. Early recognition of NAFLD by radiological imaging tests in this group of young patients is warranted.