Liver Stiffness Is Increased in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Related With Complement C1q/Tumor Necrosis Factor–Related Protein 3 Levels

Abstract Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is very common in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In patients with PCOS, the clinical use of liver stiffness (LS) and whether LS increases or decreases are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the parameters related to LS and whether there is an increase in LS in patients with PCOS compared with healthy controls. Thirty-eight women diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria and 28 healthy age- and sex-matched controls were included in this study. In addition to routine follow-up parameters for all patients, serum homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and complement C1q/tumor necrosis factor–related protein 3 (CTRP3) levels were measured, and point shear wave elastography was performed. Body mass index; waist circumference; systolic blood pressure; serum glucose, alanine aminotransferase, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone, and HOMA-IR levels; and luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio were higher in PCOS group compared with healthy controls ( P < 0.05). Serum CTRP3 levels were lower in patients with PCOS ( P < 0.05). Liver stiffness value was significantly higher in PCOS group than healthy controls ( P < 0.001). Positive correlation was found between LS and waist circumference as well as calcium, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone, and HOMA-IR levels ( P < 0.05 for each one). Negative correlation was found between LS and CTRP ( P < 0.01 for each one). In linear regression analysis, only CTRP3 level was found to be related to LS ( P < 0.001 and β = 0.734). Liver stiffness value obtained by point shear wave elastography increases in patients with PCOS compared with healthy controls and is closely and negatively related to serum CTRP3 levels.