Circulating Endothelial Microparticles Reduce in Concentration Following an Exercise Programme in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

<b>Purpose:</b> Endothelial dysfunction is a known comorbidity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim was to assess if supervised, moderate intensity exercise could potentially impact markers of endothelial disruption; endothelial cell derived microparticles (EMP). <b>Methods:</b> The current study investigated the effects of a supervised 8-week moderate intensity exercise programme on EMP in women with PCOS (<i>n</i> = 11) and control women free from any known disease (<i>n</i> = 10). EMP were enumerated via specific antibody (CD105, CD106) labeling and flow cytometry. <b>Results:</b> CD105+MP significantly reduced in women with PCOS from pre to post-exercise programme, with CD105+ MP reducing from 2114 CD105+ MP per μl platelet free plasma (PFP) to 424 CD105+ MP per μl PFP (<i>p</i> = 0.025). Control women showed no significant change in CD105+ MP (<i>p</i> = 0.25) after completing the same exercise programme. CD106+ MP showed no change in either PCOS (<i>p</i> = 0.95) or control groups (<i>p</i> = 0.99). No significant correlations existed with the changes in EMP compared to body composition changes as a result of exercise. <b>Conclusion:</b> Supervised, moderate intensity exercise independent of substantial weight loss reduced circulating CD105+ MP, likely reflecting an improvement in endothelial function in women with PCOS compared to healthy control women. Additionally, EMP may be a useful marker for physical improvement in exercise programmes for clinical populations.