Oxidant and antioxidant status of erythrocytes and plasma samples in polycystic ovary syndrome patients

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common types of endocrine syndromes in women, where the disease is described as chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism, which was characterized by the formation of small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries. This study was carried out to introduce knowledge when plasma and erythrocytes portions were chosen to compare the antioxidant and oxidant status of PCOS patients treated or without treatment with metformin. Samples included 75 women diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria. The control group included healthy volunteers with regular menstrual cycles and with no symptoms of hyperandrogenism. Total antioxidants capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and CuZn SOD enzyme activity were examined in both plasma and erythrocytes. The activity of the CuZn SOD enzyme was determined based on the ability of the enzyme to inhibit the autoxidation of pyrogallol. Body mass index (BMI), hormonal tests (LH and FSH) showed significant differences in PCOS patients as compared to control. In both plasma and erythrocyte, TAC levels were significantly decreased in PCOS patients. Though the activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly higher in plasma and erythrocytes in patients. On the other hand, PCOS patients showed significantly higher levels of TOS in plasma, while erythrocytes did not show any significant differences. In addition, metformin treatment significantly decreased levels of TAC, TOS and SOD1 activity in PCOS patients. Considering all, it is concluded that both TOS and SOD1 activity introduce the same pattern in blood samples, TAC displays a different line of responses which can be due to the crucial role of SOD1 as an antioxidant factor.