Plasma levels of pentraxin-3, an inflammatory protein involved in fertility, are reduced in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: Pentraxin-3 (PTX3), like C-reactive protein (CRP), is an acute-phase protein that belongs to the pentraxin superfamily. Moreover, it is expressed in the cumulus oophorus and appears to be involved in female fertility. The aim of the present study was to assess whether PTX3 levels are altered in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women and whether they show any relationship with the main features of these subjects. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of an academic centre. Methods: A total of 66 women affected with PCOS and 51 healthy controls were studied. Plasma PTX3 and serum CRP were measured by ELISA. Androgens were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and free testosterone was measured by equilibrium dialysis. In PCOS women, insulin sensitivity was assessed by the glucose clamp technique. Results: Adjusting for age and BMI, plasma PTX3 was reduced in PCOS women (P = 0.036), in contrast with serum CRP, which was increased (P = 0.004). In multiple regression analysis, serum androgens and other endocrine and ovarian features of PCOS were predictors of PTX3 levels, whereas body fat was the main independent predictor of CRP concentrations. Conclusions: Plasma PTX3 levels were reduced in PCOS women and independently associated with hyperandrogenism and other endocrine and ovarian features of PCOS.