SCUBE Proteins in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (IPSOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and is frequently associated with insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, and increased cardiovascular risk.

SCUBE proteins (Signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing proteins) are recently identified molecules involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, and platelet activation. Their role in PCOS has not been fully elucidated.

This interventional, non-randomized study will measure circulating SCUBE-1 and SCUBE-3 levels in women with PCOS and healthy controls. PCOS patients will be stratified into normoinsulinemic and hyperinsulinemic subgroups based on previously performed metabolic assessments. Blood samples will be collected during routine clinical practice and analyzed using ELISA assays. The study aims to assess SCUBE proteins as potential biomarkers of inflammation and cardiovascular risk in PCOS.

Inclusion criteria

• Female subjects aged 18-35 years
• Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (normoinsulinemic or hyperinsulinemic)
• Availability of basal hormonal evaluation and oral glucose tolerance test
• Healthy women for control group
• Written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnancy
• History of cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance
• Hypertension
• Significant hepatic or renal disease
• Other endocrine disorders
• Neoplastic diseases
• Psychiatric disorders
• Autoimmune diseases
• Shift work
• Obesity
• Refusal to sign informed consent