Chaabouni Khansa
Habib Bourguiba Hospital, Tunisia
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Steroid Horm Sci
Statement of the Problem: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are recognized as being at risk for cardiovascular disease. In several reports, the role of zinc (Zn) deficiency as a cardiovascular risk factor is under discussion in many subgroups of patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between zinc and cardiovascular risk in PCOS patients. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: We conducted a cross-sectional study on women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) according to the Rotterdam criteria. Age-matched controls were recruited. Zn was analyzed via atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Zn deficiency was defined by Zn <9.5µmol/L. High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was assessed on Cobas-Roche to evaluate cardiovascular risk defined by hsCRP >1mg/L and a high risk by hsCRP >3mg/L. Findings: Our study population included 81 participants: 41 with PCOS and 40 controls. Mean Zn levels were similar in PCOS patients and controls 10.4+/-1.6 and 10.4+/-1.8µmol/L respectively. Zn deficiency was observed in 26 (32%) participants, distributed as follows: 10 (24%) in PCOS patients and 16 (40%) in controls. Among those with Zn deficiency, cardiovascular risk was noted in 7 (70%) PCOS patients and 11 (69%) controls. Among PCOS patients with Zn deficiency, a third were at high risk. No high risk was observed in controls with Zn deficiency. Conclusion & Significance: In controls, cardiovascular risk appeared to be independent from Zn deficiency. However, in PCOS, Zn deficiency seemed to increase this risk. Therefore, Zn supplementation would be recommended
Khansa Chaabouni (MD) holds the position of a researcher at the Research Laboratory LR19ES13, and is a Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax and in the Department of Biochemistry at Habib Bourguiba Hospital in Tunisia. She has expertise in hormone assays, exploring endocrine functions, particularly in polycystic ovary syndrome and endocrine hypertension. She has established a specialized unit for hormonal assays within the Department of Biochemistry.
