The Effect of Acupuncture on Insulin Sensitivity Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Effect of Acupuncture on Insulin Sensitivity in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Insulin Resistance: Study Protocol of a Prospective Observational Study

Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance play a key role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Insulin resistance is significantly associated with the long-term risks of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Acupuncture with electrical stimulation has in rats with dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PCOS been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. Whether these findings can be translated into women with PCOS has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether acupuncture improves insulin sensitivity, ovulation rate and quality of life in women with PCOS. Our hypothesis is that acupuncture with combined manual and low-frequency electrical stimulation of the needles improves insulin resistance, induces ovulation and improves quality of life.

This is a prospective observational study. A total of 112 women with PCOS and insulin resistance will be recruited and randomized into two groups according to their body mass index (BMI), i.e. normal weight (BMI=18.5-23Kg/m2) group and overweight or obese (BMI > 23Kg/m2) group1. The acupuncture treatment will last for six months, 3 times per week, 30 minutes per treatment. The primary outcome is changes in insulin sensitivity from baseline to after 6 months of acupuncture treatment measured by OGTT.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years.
2. BMI ≥18.5Kg/m2
3. Confirmed diagnosis of PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria: Oligo-, amenorrhea (less than 8 cycles per year) or/clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism and/or polycystic ovarian morphology.
4. IR defined by the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR: fasting insulin x fasting glucose/22.5) and 2.14 will be used as the cut off 33.
5. No desire of children and using barrier methods of contraception for 1 year.
6. Willing to sign the consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

1. With other endocrine disorders such as hyperprolactinemia (defined as two prolactin levels at least one week apart 25 ng/mL or greater or as determined by local normative values), nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (17-hydroxyprogesterone <3nmol/L), and androgen secreting tumors.
2. Patients with FSH levels > 15 mIU/mL. A normal level within the last year is adequate for entry.
3. Patients with uncorrected thyroid disease (defined as TSH < 0.2 mIU/mL or >5.5 mIU/mL). A normal level within the last year is adequate for entry.
4. Patients diagnosed with Type I diabetes, or Type I and Type II patients who receiving antidiabetic medications such as insulin, thiazolidinediones, acarbose, or sulfonylureas likely to confound the effects of study medication; patients currently receiving metformin for a diagnosis of Type I or Type II diabetes or for PCOS are also specifically excluded.
5. Patients with suspected Cushing's syndrome.
6. Use of hormonal or other medication including Chinese Herbal prescriptions which may affect the outcome at least in the past 3 months.
7. Pregnancy within the last 6 weeks.
8. Post-abortion or postpartum within last 6 weeks.
9. Breastfeeding within the last 6 months.
10. Patients received Acupuncture treatment related to PCOS within the last 2 months.
11. Patients who have undergone a bariatric surgery procedure in the recent past (<12 months) and are in a period of acute weight loss.
12. Patients with known congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
13. Not willing to give written consent to the study.