A correlative study of CRP and C3 complement element in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a frequently occurring hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is marked by symptoms such as infrequent or absent menstrual cycles (oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea), lack of ovulation, excessive body weight, increased body hair (hirsutism), elevated levels of androgens, and the presence of multiple small cysts within enlarged ovaries. The global prevalence of PCOS is estimated at around 7%, while in India, it ranges from approximately 4% to 11%. Only a limited number of studies have evaluated the levels of complement component 3 (C3) in individuals with PCOS. The relationship between C3, insulin resistance, and obesity in the context of PCOS remains unclear. However, some researchers reported a positive association between elevated levels of C3 and C-reactive protein (CRP) with insulin resistance and the presence of PCOS. Aims and Objective: To evaluate the role of CRP and C3 in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and factors related to pathogenesis of PCOS. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Index Medical College Hospital, Indore, from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019. It included 260 participants aged 15–45 years, divided into two groups: confirmed PCOS cases and healthy controls. Results: Among the 260 participants, 130 were confirmed cases of PCOS, and the other 130 were healthy controls, determined through clinical evaluation and biochemical testing. In the PCOS group, the mean ± SD values were: body mass index (BMI) 32.97 ± 8.46, total cholesterol (TC) 188.42 ± 31.12, triglycerides (TG) 134.43 ± 50.01, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 36.29 ± 9.55, TC/HDL ratio 5.54 ± 1.86, serum CRP 3.41 ± 0.94, and complement component C3 160.66 ± 29.15. In comparison, the control group recorded BMI 22.87 ± 2.47, TC 155.42 ± 26.33, TG 110.00 ± 42.19, HDL 41.22 ± 10.91, TC/HDL ratio 4.08 ± 1.39, serum CRP 2.25 ± 0.8, and C3 level 127.48 ± 35.60. Conclusion: This study examined the role of CRP, C3, and various biochemical markers in PCOS patients and controls. Findings revealed that most PCOS patients exhibited elevated levels of CRP, C3, and other biochemical parameters. Both CRP and C3, indicators of chronic low-grade inflammation, were significantly higher in newly diagnosed PCOS cases compared to controls. Additionally, C3 levels showed a statistically significant correlation with increased BMI, age, marital status, and hirsutism.