Plasma levels of pentraxin-3, an inflammatory protein involved in fertility, are reduced in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), like C-reactive protein (CRP), is an acute phase protein belonging to the pentraxin superfamily. Moreover, it is expressed in the cumulus oophorus and appears to be involved in female fertility. Aim of the study was to assess whether PTX-3 levels are altered in PCOS women and which relationships do they show with the main features of these subjects.Design: Cross-sectional study, conducted at the outpatient clinic of an academic center.Methods: Sixty-six women affected with PCOS and 51 healthy controls were studied. Plasma PTX-3 and serum CRP were measured by ELISA. Androgens were measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and free testosterone by equilibrium dialysis. In PCOS women, insulin sensitivity was assessed by the glucose clamp technique.Results: Adjusting for age and BMI, plasma PTX-3 was reduced in PCOS women (p=0.036), in contrast with serum CRP which was increased (p=0.004). In multiple regression analysis serum androgens and other endocrine and ovarian features of PCOS were predictors of PTX-3 levels, whereas body fat was the main independent predictor of CRP concentrations.Conclusions: Plasma PTX-3 levels are reduced in PCOS women and independently associated with hyperandrogenism and other endocrine and ovarian features of PCOS.