This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a related Letter to the Editor Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Copyright Permission Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Randeva, H. S. Articles by Prelevic, G. M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Randeva, H. S. Articles by Prelevic, G. M.

Exercise Decreases Plasma Total Homocysteine in Overweight Young Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The Sir Quinton Hazel Molecular Medicine Research Centre (H.S.R., K.C.L., C.O., E.W.H.), University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom; Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders (J.D., L.C.), The Medical University of Lodz, PL 90-131 Lodz, Poland; Department of Human Sciences (K.B.-W.), Loughborough University, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, United Kingdom; Department of Community Health and Epidemiology (C.O.), Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6; and Department of Medicine, Royal Free & University College Medical School (G.M.P.), London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Dr. Harpal S. Randeva, The Sir Quinton Hazel Molecular Medicine Research Centre, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom. E-mail: hrandeva{at}bio.warwick.ac.uk.

Abstract

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, lipid abnormalities, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and hypertension. Exercise is reported to lower the incidence of cardiac events. The effect of exercise on plasma homocysteine concentrations, an independent cardiovascular risk factor, has not been previously reported in women with PCOS.

We examined the effects of exercise on plasma total homocysteine concentrations in young overweight or obese PCOS women [age (mean ± SD), 30.6 ± 6.6 yr; body mass index, 35.49 ± 7.57 kg/m²]. Twenty-one women consented to a 6-month exercise program; 12 women (exercisers) adhered to the program, whereas 9 (nonexercisers) did not. In both groups of women, the following parameters were recorded at baseline and 6 months: body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and aerobic capacity (maximal oxygen consumption); blood samples were taken after an overnight fast for plasma total homocysteine, insulin, and other biochemical parameters.

A significant decrease in plasma total homocysteine concentrations (P < 0.001) and waist-to-hip ratio (P = 0.041) and a significant increase in maximal oxygen consumption (P = 0.019) were recorded at 6 months, compared with baseline in the exercise group. This decrease in homocysteine was not explained by changes in anthropometric or biochemical parameters. In contrast, no significant changes in any of the variables were observed in the nonexercise group.

Our study has provided the first evidence that regular exercise significantly lowers plasma homocysteine in young overweight or obese women with PCOS, a group at increased risk of premature atherosclerosis. The precise mechanism by which exercise is associated with a reduction in homocysteine remains to be elucidated.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. Manneras, I. H. Jonsdottir, A. Holmang, M. Lonn, and E. Stener-Victorin Low-Frequency Electro-Acupuncture and Physical Exercise Improve Metabolic Disturbances and Modulate Gene Expression in Adipose Tissue in Rats with Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Endocrinology, July 1, 2008; 149(7): 3559 - 3568. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. R. Ruiz, R. Sola, M. Gonzalez-Gross, F. B. Ortega, G. Vicente-Rodriguez, M. Garcia-Fuentes, A. Gutierrez, M. Sjostrom, K. Pietrzik, and M. J. Castillo Cardiovascular Fitness Is Negatively Associated With Homocysteine Levels in Female Adolescents Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, February 1, 2007; 161(2): 166 - 171. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Yilmaz, N. Bukan, G. Ayvaz, A. Karakoc, F. Toruner, N. Cakir, and M. Arslan The effects of rosiglitazone and metformin on oxidative stress and homocysteine levels in lean patients with polycystic ovary syndrome Hum. Reprod., December 1, 2005; 20(12): 3333 - 3340. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C A G Boreham, R A Kennedy, M H Murphy, M Tully, W F M Wallace, and I Young Training effects of short bouts of stair climbing on cardiorespiratory fitness, blood lipids, and homocysteine in sedentary young women Br. J. Sports Med., September 1, 2005; 39(9): 590 - 593. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				E. B. Kilicdag, T. Bagis, E. Tarim, E. Aslan, S. Erkanli, E. Simsek, B. Haydardedeoglu, and E. Kuscu Administration of B-group vitamins reduces circulating homocysteine in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients treated with metformin: a randomized trial Hum. Reprod., June 1, 2005; 20(6): 1521 - 1528. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				E. B. Kilicdag, T. Bagis, H. B. Zeyneloglu, E. Tarim, E. Aslan, B. Haydardedeoglu, and S. Erkanli Homocysteine levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with metformin versus rosiglitazone: a randomized study Hum. Reprod., April 1, 2005; 20(4): 894 - 899. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. J. Salmi, H. C. Zisser, and L. Jovanovic Screening for and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Teenagers Experimental Biology and Medicine, May 1, 2004; 229(5): 369 - 377. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]