Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance which may lead to cardio-vascular diseases. Evidence for cardiovascular events in women who were affected by PCOS during fertile age is limited. The pathogenesis is unknown; however, it is a complex multigenetic disorder. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the vari-ous cardiovascular risk factors and their DNA repair efficiency in women with PCOS by investigating the biochemical, endocrinological and molecular cytogenetic alterations. These investigations were carried out in 116 women in the age group of 15-35 years clinically diagnosed with PCOS. Data were compared with that of 50 age-matched healthy normal women. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), Lipid profile, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Prolactin and Estradiol were estimated after getting the informed consent. Mutagen induced chromosome sensitivity analysis was carried out in the lymphocytes of the subjects to assess the DNA repair proficiency. Fasting Blood Sugar, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were found to be elevated whereas HDL cholesterol was found to be lowered in the test subjects. FSH, LH and prolactin were also found to be significantly elevated in the test subjects. Change in the estradiol concentration in the test subjects was not significant. The mutagen sensitivity analysis revealed a significant elevation in break per cell (b/c) values indicating a deficiency in the DNA repair mechanism / DNA damage in PCOS patients. Modification of life style by changing the dietary habit and sedentary life style will help to reduce the oxidative stress and may increase the ovarian function and a sensible lifestyle management is recommended for reducing the risk for CVD.

Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Cardiovascular disease, Metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Dyslipidemia, DNA repair mechanism