ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to determine the differences in body fat distribution and central obesity indicators using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), adiposity indices, and anthropometric indices between women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials and methods: Clinical and laboratory examination history, including transvaginal ultrasound, fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements, and DXA scans were conducted in 179 women with PCOS (PCOS group) and 100 without PCOS (non-PCOS group). The volunteers were grouped by body mass index (BMI): normal (18-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), or obese (>30 kg/m2). The visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) were calculated, regions of interest (ROIs) were determined, and the fat mass index (FMI) was calculated using DXA. Results: VAI, LAP, ROIs, FMI, and adiposity indices by DXA were higher in women with PCOS and normal BMI. In both PCOS and non-PCOS groups, the ROIs progressively increased from normal BMI to overweight and obese, and from overweight to obese. Obese women with PCOS showed high trunk fat mass. However, obesity was not able to modify these trunk/periphery fat ratios in PCOS from overweight to higher BMI. These variables were associated with the incidence of PCOS. Conclusion: In women with PCOS and normal BMI, both DXA and the adiposity indices, VAI and LAP, are more sensitive methods to evaluate total body fat and fat accumulation in the central abdominal region. It was also observed that as BMI increased, the differences in measurements between women with and without PCOS decreased.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a força de preensão manual (FPM) em mulheres com síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP). Métodos Estudo de caso-controle que incluiu 70 mulheres com SOP e 93 mulheres saudáveis comidade entre 18 e 47 anos e índice demassa corporal (IMC) de 18 Kg/m2 a 39.9 Kg/m2. Foram dosados os níveis séricos de testosterona total, androstenediona, insulina, estradiol, hormônio estimulador da tireoide (HET), prolactina, globulina de ligação ao hormônio sexual (GLHS), e 17-hidroxiprogesterona (17-OHP). Foram calculados o índice de androgênio livre (IAL) e a avaliação do modelo homeostático da resistência à insulina (AMH-RI). As regiões de interesse (RIs) da composição corporal foram avaliadas por absorciometria de raios-x de dupla energia (ARDE), e a força de preensão manual (FPM) das mãos dominante e não dominante foi avaliada com um dinamômetro manual Sammons Preston (Bolingbrook, IL, EUA). Resultados Mulheres com SOP apresentaram níveis séricos elevados de testosterona total (p < 0.01), androstenediona (p = 0.03), e insulina (P < 0.01), assim como valores altos no IAL (p < 0.01) e no AMH-RI (p = 0.01). Comparado ao grupo controle, o grupo SOP apresentou maior massa magra total na mão dominante (p < 0.03) e maior FPM emambas asmãos (p < 0.01). A FPM foi correlacionada coma massamuscularmagra (p <0.01). Conclusão Mulheres com SOP têm maior FPM, que pode estar associada à idade, ao IMC, e à massa magra. Além disso, o efeito de dominância na massa muscular pode influenciar o desempenho físico na força de preensão manual em mulheres com SOP.

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to investigate the physical performance of handgrip strength (HGS) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods A case-control study that included 70 women with PCOS and 93 agematched healthy women aged between 18 and 47 years with body mass index (BMI) between 18 Kg/m2-39.9 Kg/m2. The serum levels of total testosterone, androstenedione, insulin, estradiol, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, sex hormonebinding globulin (SHBG), and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) were measured. The free androgen index (FAI) and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. The body composition regions of interest (ROIs) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and the handgrip strength (HGS) was evaluated for both the dominant and the non-dominant hands with a manual Sammons Preston (Bolingbrook, IL, US) bulb dynamometer. Results Women with PCOS had high serum levels of total testosterone (p < 0.01), androstenedione (p = 0.03), and insulin (p < 0.01), as well as high FAI (p < 0.01) and HOMA-IR (p = 0.01) scores. Compared with the non-PCOS group, the PCOS group had greater total lean mass in the dominant hand (p < 0.03) and greater HGS in both the dominant and the non-dominant hands (p < 0.01). The HGS was correlated with lean mass (p < 0.01). Conclusion Women with PCOS have greater HGS. This may be associated with age and BMI, and it may be related to lean mass. In addition, the dominance effect on muscle mass may influence the physical performance regarding HGS in women with PCOS.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the utility of bioimpedance (BIA) and skinfolds thickness (SF) in body fat percentage measuring (%BF) compared to the reference method dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in Brazilian reproductive age women, as well as to estimate of inter- and intra-observer precision for SF. Subjects and methods 170 women aged 18-37 years with BMI between 18 and 39.9 kg/m2 were selected for this cross-sectional study. Body density was evaluated through equations proposed by Jackson, Pollock and Ward (1980) (EqJPW) and Petroski (1995) (EqPET), and %BF was estimated by BIA, DXA and Siri’s formula (1961). The SF were measured by two separate observers: A and B (to determine inter-observer variability), who measured the folds at three times with 10-minute interval between them (to determine intra-observer variability – we used only observer A). Results The %BF by DXA was higher than those measured by SF and BIA (p<0.01, for all) of 90 volunteers. The Lin coefficient of agreement was considered satisfactory for %BF values obtained by EqJPW and BIA (0.55) and moderate (0.76) for sum of SF (ΣSF) values obtained by EqJPW and EqPET. No agreement was observed for the values obtained by SF (EqJPW and EqPET), BIA and DXA. Analysis of inter- and intra-observer of 59 volunteers showed that different measures of SF thickness met acceptability standards, as well as the % BF. Conclusion BIA and SF measurements may underestimate %BF compared with DXA. In addition, BIA and SF measurements are not interchangeable with DXA. However, our results suggest the equation proposed by Jackson, Pollock and Ward (three skinfolds) compared to BIA are interchangeable to quantify the %BF in Brazilian women in reproductive age. Furthermore, our results show acceptable accuracy for intra- and inter-observer skinfold measurements. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(3):257-68

Resumo Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a modulação autonômica cardíaca por análise espectral e simbólica da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) em mulheres com síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) que foram submetidas a dois testes consecutivos de inclinação. Métodos Um total de 64 mulheres foram selecionadas e divididas em 2 grupos: controle (sem SOP) e SOP. Concentrações de hormônio folículo-estimulante, hormônio luteinizante, prolactina, estradiol, homocisteína, globulina de ligação a hormônios sexuais, hormônio estimulante da tireóide, insulina em jejum, testosterona e androstenediona e níveis de 17-hidroxiprogesterona, triglicerídeos, índice de andrógeno livre (FAI) e homeostase modelo de avaliação (HOMA-IR) foram avaliados. A modulação autonômica cardíaca foi avaliada por análises espectrais e simbólicas durante dois testes de inclinação consecutivos (dois momentos) e momentos supinos antes, entre e após (três momentos) os testes de inclinação. Resultados Mulheres com SOP apresentaram insulina em jejuM, índices HOMA-IR, testosterona e FAI mais altos. Além disso, observamos que o grupo PCOS apresentou maior modulação cardíaca autonômica simpática nos momentos supino 2, inclinado 1 e supino 3 em comparação aos controles. Conclusão Mulheres com SOP apresentaram modulação cardíaca simpática autonômica mais alta mesmo após um segundo teste de inclinação. Nenhuma adaptação a esse teste provocativo foi observada. A análise espectral foi mais sensível para identificar diferenças entre os grupos do que a análise simbólica.

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to analyze cardiac autonomic modulation via spectral and symbolic analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who were subjected to two consecutive tilt tests. Methods A total of 64 women were selected and divided into 2 groups: control (without PCOS), and PCOS. Concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, estradiol, homocysteine, sex hormone-binding globulin, thyroid stimulating hormone, fasting insulin, testosterone, androstenedione, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels, triglycerides, free androgen index (FAI), and homeostasis assessment model (HOMA-IR) were assessed. Cardiac autonomic modulation was evaluated by spectral and symbolic analyses during two consecutive tilt tests (two moments) and supine moments before, between and after (three moments) the tilt tests. Results Women with PCOS had higher fasting insulin, HOMA-IR indexes, testosterone and FAI. Additionally, we observed that the PCOS group had greater sympathetic autonomic cardiac modulation in supine 2, tilt 1, and supine 3 moments compared with controls. Conclusion Women with PCOS had higher autonomic sympathetic cardiac modulation even after a second tilt test. No adaptation to this provocative test was observed. Spectral analysis was more sensitive for identifying differences between groups than the symbolic analysis.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the associations among visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), body fat percentage (%), and android/gynoid ratio (A/G ratio) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and verify if the parameters representative of visceral obesity correlate with and exhibit the same frequency as body composition variables; anthropometric indices; and metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory parameters. Subjects and methods This was a cross-sectional study that included 94 women with PCOS. Hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters were analyzed in all women. Free androgen index (FAI) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), as well as LAP, VAI, and anthropometric indices, were calculated. The regions of interest (ROIs) in body composition and body composition indices were evaluated using a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Overall, 32 variables were selected as markers of body fat distribution. Results Among the 32 markers evaluated, 29 correlated with LAP, whereas 25 correlated with VAI, 19 with body fat (%), and 30 with A/G ratio. Additionally, some markers correlated with the four adiposity indices evaluated: ROIs, except for total mass and leg fat (%); body composition (body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference) indices; fasting insulin; and C-reactive protein. Conclusion LAP and VAI may be sensitive measures for screening and preventing metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in PCOS, with LAP being more sensitive than VAI, and the A/G ratio may be more sensitive than body fat percentage.

Resumo Objetivos Exercícios aeróbicos podem melhorar a qualidade de vida (QV) de mulheres com síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP). No entanto, não há dados sobre o efeito de um programa de treinamento de exercício resistido (TER) sobre a QV destas mulheres. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de um programa de TER de 16 semanas na QV em mulheres com SOP. Métodos Estudo caso-controle com 16 semanas de duração, para o qual foram incluídas 43 mulheres com SOP (grupo com SOP, GSOP) e 51 controles saudáveis com received idade entre 18 a 37 anos (grupo de controle, GC). Todas as mulheres foramsubmetidas ao protocolo TER supervisionado por 16 semanas, e foram avaliadas em dois momentos: na semana 0 (linha de base), e na semana 16 (após TER). A qualidade de vida foi avaliada pelo 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Resultados Houve redução significativa da testosterona emambos os grupos após o TER (p < 0,01). O GSOP obteve significativa melhora na capacidade funcional na semana 16 em relação à semana 0 (p = 0,02). O GC apresentou significativa melhora no escore do domínio vitalidade, aspectos sociais e saúde mental na semana 16 em relação à semana 0 (p ≤ 0,01). Houve uma fraca correlação entre os aspectos sociais de domínio SF-36 e o nível de testosterona em mulheres com SOP. Conclusão a aplicação de um programa de treinamento físico resistido durante 16 semanas resultou em melhora modesta da QV de mulheres com SOP.

Abstract Purpose Aerobic exercises may improve quality of life (QoL) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, there is no data on the effect of resistance exercise training (RET) programs on the QoL of women with PCOS. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of a 16-week RET program on QoL in PCOS women. Methods This 16-week case-control study enrolled 43 women with PCOS (PCOS group, PCOSG) and 51 healthy pre-menopausal controls aged 18 to 37 years (control group, CG). All women underwent a supervised RET program for 16 weeks, and were evaluated in two different occasions: week-0 (baseline), and week-16 (after RET). Quality of life was assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results Testosterone reduced significantly in both groups after RET (p < 0.01). The PCOSG had improvements in functional capacity at week-16 relative to week-0 (p = 0.02). The CG had significant improvements in vitality, social aspects, and mental health at week-16 relative to week-0 (p ≤ 0.01). There was a weak correlation between social aspects of the SF-36 domain and testosterone levels in PCOS women. Conclusion A 16-week RET program modestly improved QoL in women with PCOS.

OBJETIVOS: Comparar os parâmetros metabólicos, a composição corporal e a força muscular de mulheres com Síndrome dos Ovários Policísticos (SOP) em relação a mulheres com ciclos menstruais ovulatórios. MÉTODOS: Estudo caso-controle com 27 mulheres com SOP e 28 mulheres controles com ciclos ovulatórios, com idade entre 18 e 37 anos, índice de massa corpórea entre 18 e 39,9 kg/m², que não praticassem atividade física regular. Níveis séricos de testosterona, androstenediona, prolactina, globulina carreadora dos hormônios sexuais (SHBG), insulina e glicemia foram avaliados. Índice de andrógeno livre (FAI) e resistência insulina (por HOMA) foram calculados. As voluntárias submetidas avaliação de composição corporal por dobras cutâneas e absorciometria de raio X de dupla energia (DEXA) e testes de força muscular máxima de 1-RM em três exercícios após procedimento de familiarização e de força isométrica de preensão manual. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de testosterona foram mais elevados no grupo SOP em relação ao CO (68,0±20,2 versus 58,2±12,8 ng/dL; p=0,02), assim como o FAI (282,5±223,8 versus 127,0±77,2; p=0,01), a insulina (8,4±7,0 versus 4,0±2,7 uIU/mL; p=0,01), e o HOMA (2,3±2,3 versus1,0±0,8; p=0,01). O SBHG foi inferior no grupo SOP comparado ao controle (52,5±43,3 versus 65,1±27,4 nmol/L; p=0,04). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na composição corporal com os métodos propostos entre os grupos. O grupo SOP apresentou maior força muscular no teste de 1-RM nos exercícios supino reto (31,2±4,75 versus 27,8±3,6 kg; p=0,04) e cadeira extensora (27,9±6,2 versus 23,4±4,2 kg; p=0,01), assim como nos testes de força isométrica de preensão manual (5079,6±1035,7 versus 4477,3±69,6 kgf/m²; p=0,04). Ser portadora de SOP foi um preditor independente de aumento de força muscular nos exercícios supino reto (estimativa (E)=2,7) (p=0,04) e cadeira extensora (E=3,5) (p=0,04). Assim como o IMC no exercício de força isométrica de preensão manual do membro dominante (E=72,2) (p<0,01), supino reto (E=0,2) (p=0,02) e rosca direta (E=0,3) (p<0,01). Nenhuma associação foi encontrada entre HOMA-IR e força muscular. CONCLUSÕES: Mulheres com SOP apresentam maior força muscular, sem diferença na composição corporal. A RI não esteve associada ao desempenho da força muscular. Possivelmente, a força muscular pode estar relacionada aos níveis elevados de androgênios nessas mulheres.

PURPOSE: To compare the metabolic parameters, body composition and muscle strength of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to those of women with ovulatory menstrual cycles. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 27 women with PCOS and 28 control women with ovulatory cycles, aged 18 to 27 years with a body mass index of 18 to 39.9 kg/m², who did not practice regular physical activity. Serum testosterone, androstenedione, prolactin, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), insulin and glycemia levels were determined. Free androgen index (FAI) and resistance to insulin (by HOMA) were calculated. The volunteers were submitted to evaluation of body composition based on skin folds and DEXA and to 1-RM maximum muscle strength tests in three exercises after familiarization procedures and handgrip isometric force was determined. RESULTS: Testosterone levels were higher in the PCOS group than in the Control Group (68.07±20.18 versus 58.20±12.82 ng/dL; p=0.02), as also were the FAI (282.51±223.86 versus 127.08±77.19; p=0.01), insulin (8.41±7.06 versus 4.05±2.73 µIU/mL; p=0.01), and HOMA (2.3±2.32 versus 1.06±0.79; p=0.01), and SBHG levels were lower (52.51±43.27 versus 65.45±27.43 nmol/L; p=0.04). No significant differences in body composition were observed between groups using the proposed methods. The PCOS group showed greater muscle strength in the 1-RM test in the bench press (31.2±4.75 versus 27.79±3.63 kg; p=0.02), and leg extension exercises (27.9±6.23 versus 23.47±4.21 kg; p=0.02) as well as handgrip isometric force (5079.61±1035.77 versus 4477.38±69.66 kgf/m², p=0.04). PCOS was an independent predictor of increase muscle strength in bench press exercises (estimate (E)=2.7) (p=0.04) and leg extension (E=3.5) (p=0.04), and BMI in the exercise of isometric handgrip (E=72.2) (p<0.01), bench press (E=0.2) (p=0.02) and arm curl (E=0.3) (p<0.01). No association was found between HOMA-IR and muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: Women with POS showed greater muscle strength, with no difference in body composition, and IR was not associated with muscle strength performance. Muscle strength may be possibly related to high levels of androgens in these women.