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Polycystic ovary syndrome and severe nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: beneficial effect of modest weight loss and exercise on liver biopsy findings.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Brown, AJ; Tendler, DA; McMurray, RG; Setji, TL
Published in: Endocr Pract
2005

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of biopsy-documented nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which improved appreciably through moderate exercise and weight loss in a young woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance. METHODS: We present a detailed case report, including laboratory and pathologic findings. In addition, we review the recent literature regarding the association of insulin resistance with NASH and PCOS. RESULTS: A 24-year-old woman was referred to the Duke Gastroenterology Clinic for evaluation of long-term high serum aminotransferase levels. She also reported a history of chronically irregular menses, infertility, and hirsutism and was diagnosed with PCOS. Subsequent glucose tolerance testing suggested the presence of insulin resistance. Liver biopsy findings were consistent with severe nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Under the supervision of her physician and an exercise physiologist, the patient initiated a diet and exercise program that resulted in an 11.5% weight loss during approximately 8 months and yielded normalization of her aminotransferase levels. A repeat liver biopsy done 13 months after the initial biopsy revealed a substantial decrease in steatosis and a reduction in inflammation. CONCLUSION: Women with PCOS and insulin resistance have an increased risk of developing many of the consequences of the dysmetabolic syndrome, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. This case report suggests that fatty liver and NASH may be other important diseases to identify in such women. It also demonstrates the improvement in this condition with moderate exercise and weight loss.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Endocr Pract

DOI

ISSN

1530-891X

Publication Date

2005

Volume

11

Issue

5

Start / End Page

319 / 324

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Weight Loss
  • Transaminases
  • Testosterone
  • Risk Factors
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Liver
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Insulin
  • Humans
 

Citation

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Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
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Brown, A. J., Tendler, D. A., McMurray, R. G., & Setji, T. L. (2005). Polycystic ovary syndrome and severe nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: beneficial effect of modest weight loss and exercise on liver biopsy findings. Endocr Pract, 11(5), 319–324. https://doi.org/10.4158/EP.11.5.319
Brown, Ann J., David A. Tendler, Robert G. McMurray, and Tracy L. Setji. “Polycystic ovary syndrome and severe nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: beneficial effect of modest weight loss and exercise on liver biopsy findings.Endocr Pract 11, no. 5 (2005): 319–24. https://doi.org/10.4158/EP.11.5.319.
Brown, Ann J., et al. “Polycystic ovary syndrome and severe nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: beneficial effect of modest weight loss and exercise on liver biopsy findings.Endocr Pract, vol. 11, no. 5, 2005, pp. 319–24. Pubmed, doi:10.4158/EP.11.5.319.

Published In

Endocr Pract

DOI

ISSN

1530-891X

Publication Date

2005

Volume

11

Issue

5

Start / End Page

319 / 324

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Weight Loss
  • Transaminases
  • Testosterone
  • Risk Factors
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Liver
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Insulin
  • Humans