Cortisol Regulation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Information source: Oregon Health and Science University
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on August 23, 2015 Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Condition(s) targeted: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Intervention: pioglitazone (Drug); metformin (Drug); placebo (Drug)
Phase: N/A
Status: Recruiting
Sponsored by: Oregon Health and Science University Official(s) and/or principal investigator(s): Bethany J. Klopfenstein, MD, Principal Investigator, Affiliation: Oregon Health and Science University
Overall contact: Bethany J Klopfenstein, MD, Phone: 503-494-4020, Email: klopfens@ohsu.edu
Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine if insulin resistance (how well the body uses
insulin and clears sugar) can affect cortisol levels in normal healthy women and women with
polycystic ovary syndrome of all body weights.
Clinical Details
Official title: Cortisol Regulation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Study design: Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Primary outcome: The comparison of body surface area adjusted cortisol production rate (CPR/BSA) before and after insulin sensitizing therapy in women with PCOS.
Secondary outcome: Comparisons of 24-hour values for adrenocorticotropic hormone , free-cortisol, and cortisol binding globulin.
Detailed description:
PCOS is a common clinical problem affecting young women, characterized by oligomenorrhea and
hyperandrogenism. Central obesity and insulin resistance are also prominent features of
PCOS, and in addition are important risk factors for development of hypertension,
hyperlipidemia and atherosclerotic heart disease. Previous studies have suggested that
cortisol is dysregulated in PCOS, primarily through increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
(HPA) axis activity and enhanced cortisol secretion. Increased adrenocorticotropic hormone
(ACTH) secretion could also potentially lead to elevated adrenal androgen production in
PCOS. Techniques used in previous studies have been inconsistent, however, and a link
between increased HPA axis activity and the phenotypic changes in PCOS has not been clearly
demonstrated. Cortisol is also produced from cortisone in peripheral adipose tissue by the
enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD 1), suggesting another potential
point of dysregulation that may contribute to central obesity and insulin resistance in
PCOS. Further investigation of both central and peripheral regulation of cortisol is
necessary to better understand the pathophysiology of PCOS.
Specific Aim 1: To perform a cross-sectional study of women with PCOS and normal controls
matched for age and body mass index, and measure insulin sensitivity and visceral fat, as
well as (a) 24-hour CPR, ACTH, free cortisol, and cortisol binding globulin (CBG), (b)
adipocyte, liver, and whole body HSD 1 activity, and (c) androgen levels.
Specific Aim 2: To prospectively administer pioglitazone or metformin to women with PCOS in
a placebo-controlled trial, and after one month and six months of therapy measure (a)
24-hour CPR, ACTH, free cortisol, and CBG, (b) adipocyte, liver, and whole body HSD 1
activity, and (c) insulin sensitivity, visceral fat, and androgen levels.
Eligibility
Minimum age: 18 Years.
Maximum age: 45 Years.
Gender(s): Female.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria (Healthy controls):
- Healthy
- At lifetime maximal weight
- Weight stable for at least 6 months prior to study entry
- Willing to commit to not making significant changes to their diet or daily activities
while enrolled.
- Premenopausal
- Have regular menstrual cycles
- No evidence of hirsutism
Additional Inclusion Criteria (Subjects with PCOS):
- Clinical findings of amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea dating from menarche
- Clinical and/or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism
- Exclusion of related disorders
Exclusion Criteria (Healthy controls):
- Less than 18 years of age
- Exercise > 30 minutes/day, 3 times a week
- Smokers
- Heavy alcohol drinkers (> 2 drinks/day)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Medical diagnoses including heart disease and cancer
- Psychiatric illness (i. e.depression, psychosis, bipolar, schizophrenia)
- Body weight > 136 kg
- Pregnant
- Endocrine diseases affecting body composition or androgen levels
Additional Exclusion Criteria (Subjects with PCOS):
- Laboratory evidence of hyperprolactinemia, thyroid dysfunction, or
21-hydroxylase-deficient nonclassic CAH
- Contraindication to pioglitazone (i. e. CHF, impaired liver function, anemia,
depressed leukocyte counts, pulmonary disease, known sensitivity to
thiazolidinediones.
Locations and Contacts
Bethany J Klopfenstein, MD, Phone: 503-494-4020, Email: klopfens@ohsu.edu
Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States; Recruiting Bethany J. Klopfenstein, MD, Principal Investigator
Additional Information
Starting date: October 2006
Last updated: August 3, 2010
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