Serum Caspase-1 levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Caspase-1 is implicated in several important inflammatory diseases and controls adipocyte differentiation and insulin sensitivity. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine and plays an important role in chronic inflammatory conditions. This study was planned to determine if there is any relationship between Caspase-1 and IL-10 levels in women with PCOS. Forty-two women with PCOS and thirty-seven healthy controls were evaluated in this controlled clinical study. Caspase-1 and IL-10 levels, serum lipid sub-fractions, fasting glucose, fasting insulin and other hormones (gonadotropins, androgens), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was used to estimate insulin resistance. Free androgen index (FAI), HOMA-IR, MDA and Caspase-1 levels were significantly higher in subjects with PCOS. However, the women with PCOS had considerably lower GSH concentration levels than healthy subjects. Serum IL-10 levels were higher in study subjects than in controls, though it was statistically insignificant. Caspase-1 was positively associated with IL-10. These outcomes propose that Caspase-1 may have a role in triggering the processes leading to chronic low-grade inflammation in women with PCOS, independent of insulin resistance, androgen excess and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, the precise role of Caspase-1 in the pathogenesis of the disease remains to be elucidated.