Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is connected with metabolic, reproductive, and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders (ED). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion is regulated by neurohormones, such as spexin (SPX). This study aimed at assessing the serum level of SPX in women with PCOS and to evaluate its association with eating disorders, metabolic and reproductive features.
Subjects and Methods
A case control study was conducted on 80 women; 40 women with PCOS and 40 healthy women as a control group. Serum SPX was assessed by an enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay. Depression, anxiety and ED were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR axis I disorders, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire.
Results
Serum SPX values were lower in the PCOS group (0.62±0.312) compared to the control group (1.16±0.49, P ˂0.001). The prevalence of ED among PCOS group was 32.5% (n= 13) vs 15% in the control group (n= 6) with binge eating disorder (BED) having the highest prevalence of ED among patients with PCOS. PCOS women with ED had lower values of SPX compared to PCOS women without ED (0.532±0.275 vs. 0.747±0.33, respectively, P ˂0.001). There were significant negative correlations between serum SPX and phenotypic features of the PCOS group, as well as ED parameters. BMI, depression, and anxiety scores were independently correlated with SPX level in the PCOS group.
Conclusions
PCOS is associated with metabolic and eating disorders in particular BED. SPX levels were significantly lower in PCOS women and ED and inversely associated with metabolic, reproductive, and eating disorders.