Metabolic pathways of oleic and palmitic acid are intensified in PCOS patients with normal androgen levels

Context: The aetiology and pathogenesis polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain uncertain and thus the relative studies are still crucial.

Objective: Our aim was to analyse the fatty acids profiles of the main phospholipids species in serum from women with PCOS classified into phenotypes, and to diagnose women more susceptible to the occurrence of inflammatory state.

Design: PCOS screening tests were performed in The Clinic of Gynecology and Urogynecology of Pomeranian Medical University in the 2014-2015 years.

Setting: The study are designed for general community and a primary care or referral center.

Patients: 39 patients with PCOS, diagnosed according to Rotterdam's criteria, and 14 healthy women, as a control group, participated in this study. Fatty acid profiles were investigated using gas chromatography. A total of 36 fatty acids and their derivatives were identified and quantified.

Main outcome measure: Changes in fatty acids profile in plasma from women with PCOS phenotypes are not identical.

Results: The analyses showed lowered level of total SFA, increase in the concentration of caprylic acid and the activation of palmitic and oleic acids pathways. The level of nervonic acid was several times higher than in the control group, and the levels of behenic and tricosanoic acids were reduced.

Conclusions: In both phenotypes the alternative metabolic pathways of oleic acid were activated, but they were more pronounced in women with proper level of androgens. Gamma-linolenic acid (C18:3n6) can be a factor protecting hyperandrogenic women.