A genetic basis has been proposed for PCOS because the prevalence of this disease is higher among family members [12] and [13]. However,

the heterogeneous clinical presentation of PCOS, especially concerning the presence selleck inhibitor of central adiposity, overweight, and obesity, is indicative of a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors [7]. In this sense, differences in dietary intake between women with PCOS and healthy controls have been described [14], as well as a tendency to overeat, particularly sweet or starchy foods [15]. In Brazil, the highest rates of obesity and overweight in women (14.4% and 42.4%, respectively) occur in the South [16]; but few data are available concerning the implications of lifestyle and dietary pattern on the prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance in PCOS [9], [14], [17] and [18]. In addition, despite the substantial evidence supporting an effect of underweight and selleckchem excess weight on fertility [17], little is known about the influence of dietary quality on metabolic and endocrine control

in PCOS [19]. Nevertheless, weight loss has consistently been shown to improve the clinical status of PCOS women [18] and [20]. Taking all these into consideration, we hypothesized that dietary intake is associated with insulin resistance, lipid profile, and hormone abnormalities in a sample of women with PCOS from the South of Brazil. To test this hypothesis, we designed a case-control study to assess dietary composition, body fat, and hormonal

and metabolic variables related to insulin resistance in patients with PCOS and in a group of ovulatory, nonhirsute, BMI-matched women. Understanding the interaction between dietary factors and PCOS could provide useful insights for the management of obesity and metabolic abnormalities in affected women. This case-control study was carried out with patients from the Gynecological Endocrinology Unit at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil. Forty-three Non-specific serine/threonine protein kinase hirsute women of reproductive age presenting oligo/amenorrheic cycles (≤9 cycles per year), increased serum testosterone levels and/or free androgen index (FAI), and absence of other disorders causing hirsutism [7] and [21] were included in the PCOS group. Thirty-seven BMI- and race-matched nonhirsute women with regular and ovulatory cycles (luteal phase progesterone levels >3.8 ng/mL) were recruited to participate in the study as a control group. None of the women from either group had received any drugs known to interfere with hormone levels for at least 3 months before the study. Women with a BMI higher than 40 kg/m2 or type 2 diabetes were excluded.