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Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze serum a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-type motifs-1 (ADAMTS-1) and aggrecan levels in adolescents and younger-aged females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with ovulatory controls to determine whether these are potential markers for the prediction of PCOS diagnosis. We also aimed to determine whether they could predict the development of clinical implications associated with PCOS., Method: PCOS (n = 49) and ovulatory age-matched controls (n = 41) (mean age, 18.6 ± 2.5) were recruited. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Serum ADAMTS-1 and aggrecan levels were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The predictive effects of ADAMTS-1 and aggrecan on the diagnosis of PCOS and for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and insulin resistance (IR) were evaluated. The correlation between investigated markers and anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal parameters were also investigated., Results: Mean serum ADAMTS-1 level was increased in adolescents and younger-aged females with PCOS compared to ovulatory controls. An elevated ADAMTS-1 level was positive predictive of the diagnosis of PCOS with the best cut-off value of 2.5 ng/ml (sensitivity 69% and specificity 78%). A positive predictive role of ADAMTS-1 on the development of CVD risk and IR was found among all patients. Serum ADAMTS-1 and aggrecan levels were significantly and positively correlated with each other., Conclusion: Increased levels of ADAMTS-1 could be a potential marker for the etiopathogenesis of PCOS in adolescents and younger-aged females and predict the development of CVD risk and IR among all patients with the same age.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, known as gelatinases, are considered to be essential for tissue remodelling during the reproductive process. However, their role in reproduction is unclear., Aims: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between follicular fluid gelatinase levels and oocyte quality and fertilization, and to compare the activities of gelatinase levels with different drug stimulation protocols., Methods: We evaluated 60 women with unexplained infertility who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Thirty patients underwent a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol and 30 underwent a GnRH antagonist protocol. Follicular fluid was obtained during oocyte retrieval. Oocyte quality was determined using light microscopy, and oocytes were considered to be fertilized when two pronuclei were present. Gelatinase activities were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The study was partially supported by the Scientific Research Unit of Suleyman Demirel University (Protocol Number: 3620-TU1-13), and all procedures were conducted with the approval of the Suleyman Demirel University Local Ethics Board. Statistical analyses of the data were performed using the independent t test, Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, one-way ANOVA, and posthoc least significant difference., Results: Follicular fluid gelatinase levels were significantly higher for agonist drug administration (p = 0.001), and a positive correlation was observed between matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels and oocyte grade (p = 0.01). Moreover, a positive relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels and fertilization was observed (p = 0.02)., Conclusion: Follicular fluid gelatinase activities, particularly MMP-9 activity, might be a predictor of oocyte quality and IVF success.