Evaluation of zinc deficiency in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovarian syndrome (clinical, biochemical and radioimmunological survey)

Up to date, the etiology and pathophysiology of polycystic ovarian syndrome is not fully explained. Our objective is to determine the role of zinc deficiency in PCOS. Number of fifty-three patients and thirty-three controls of women who were admitted to Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 2005 and 2007 were included to our study. Selection of patients was performed according to the 2003 Rotterdam ASRM/ESHRE criteria. A prospective controlled study was designed and local ethical committee of our university approved the study. Clinical, metabolic, hormonal, endocrinological features and the zinc levels of the cases were compared between two groups. Our data revealed that mean zinc levels were significantly lower in patients with PCOS. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to find the effects of significant variables between two groups (serum zinc level, body mass index, the ratio of triglyceride/ HDL cholesterol and homocysteine) to predict PCOS. It was found that zinc level was the only factor to predict PCOS. The area under curve to discriminate PCOS was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.65?0.86). The cutoff value for zinc level for predicting PCOS was 70.9 ?g/dl, with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 70%. In conclusion, zinc deficiency is an important factor in the etiology and pathophysiology of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Zinc replacement may be beneficial in the treatment of PKOS and in also prevention of its long term metabolic complications.