Effects of inulin‐type fructans with different degrees of polymerization on inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial

Abstract

Objective

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors. Prebiotics were proposed to beneficially affect risk factors associated with metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of inulin‐type fructans (ITFs), as well‐studied prebiotics, with different degrees of polymerization, on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in PCOS patients.

Design

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Patients: Seventy‐five PCOS women were randomly assigned to receive 10 g/day of either high‐performance inulin (HPI) or oligofructose‐enriched inulin (OEI) or placebo for 12 weeks. Measurements: Biochemical indices and blood pressure levelswere assessed before and after the intervention.

Results

In the intent‐to‐treat analysis, high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) decreased in HPI and OEI groups, over the 12 weeks, and the changes were significant in the HPI group, compared to placebo (changes from baseline in the HPI group: −0.11 vs. placebo group: 0.004 mg/L [conversion factor to SI units (nmol/L): 9/5238]; p = .007). Serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) increased, and endothelin‐1 and total oxidant status decreased in HPI and OEI groups, at the end of the trial; however, these changes were not significantly compared to placebo ( p = .07, .36 and .22, respectively). No differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found. Per‐protocol analysis ( n = 68) yielded consistent results for all endpoints, with the exception that the significant effect of ITFs on serum hs‐CRP levels in the unadjusted ITT analysis became nonsignificant in the per‐protocol analysis ( p = .06).

Conclusion

A 12‐week supplementation with long‐chain ITFs had favourable effects on inflammatory status among PCOS patients.