Association between vascular health and ovarian ageing in type 1 diabetes mellitus

STUDY QUESTION: Is vascular health associated with ovarian reserve status using type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM-1) as a model for vascular compromise? SUMMARY ANSWER: No conclusive evidence for an association between vascular health and ovarian ageing was found in women with DM-1. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The mechanism behind advanced ovarian ageing has not yet been elucidated. We hypothesize that vascular impairment precedes ovarian ageing. DM-1 is hallmarked by premature vascular complications that may consequently play a role in the rate of primordial follicle decline. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A cross-sectional, patient-control study was performed in 150 premenopausal, regular cycling women with DM-1, as well as a reference population of 177 healthy, fertile women. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: In a single-study visit, an inventory of both ovarian reserve and vascular status was carried out in the DM-1 group. A transvaginal ultrasound to calculate the antral follicle count (AFC) and blood sampling for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), lipids, C-reactive protein and HbA1c measurements were performed. Furthermore, vascular screening including measurements of blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation, peripheral arterial tonometry, pulse wave velocity, pulse wave analysis and intima-media thickness was carried out. The relative decrease in serum AMH levels in women with DM-1 compared with healthy references was investigated. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Systolic blood pressure was negatively correlated with both serum AMH (P= 0.006) and AFC (P= 0.004) in the DM-1 group. A non-linear relationship between HDL-cholesterol and serum AMH was found (P= 0.0001). No associations were detected between other vascular risk factors or vascular function tests and serum AMH or AFC in women with DM-1. With regard to the comparison of AMH levels between women with and without DM-1, mean AMH levels were 2.5 ± 1.9 ng/ml and 3.0 ± 2.8 ng/ml, respectively. After adjustment for confounders the difference in AMH levels between both groups appeared non-significant (fold change: 0.92, 95% confidence interval: 0.68-1.23). LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION: The use of different AMH assays and the cross-sectional design may limit the interpretation of this study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The lack of evident association between vascular health and ovarian ageing may be the result of an insufficient vascular compromise in the relatively young, DM-1 group. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: No external funding was received for conducting or publishing this study. F.Y., W.S., A.F., F.L.J.V., M.J.C.E. and H.W.d.V. have nothing to disclose. F.J.M.B. has received fees and grant support from the following companies: Ferring, Gedeon Richter, Merck Serono, Medical Specialties Distributors and Roche. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable