25(OH) Vitamin D Levels in Premenopausal Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and/or Obesity

Background: Insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and obesity play an important role in development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Current evidence suggests that vitamin D (VitD) deficiency may contribute to the disturbance in insulin metabolism and the development of the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate VitD levels, measured as 25(OH)D, in Bulgarian women with PCOS and/or obesity. Materials and methods: The study included 103 women, divided into three groups - group 1 Obese (n = 33); group 2 Nonobese PCOS (n = 50), and group 3 Obese PCOS (n = 20). 25(OH)D levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: Almost 2/3 of the women with PCOS and/or obesity appeared to be VitD-deficient. Women with obesity, especially visceral (with or without PCOS), had significantly lower levels of 25(OH)D compared to lean PCOS subjects. Women with and without metabolic syndrome however did not differ significantly in 25(OH)D levels. Women with normal body mass index (BMI) had higher 25(OH)D levels compared to overweight and obese (p = 0.028). There was no correlation between 25(OH)D levels and indices of glucose metabolism - fasting blood glucose and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and after OGTT and HOMA index.