Author(s): CHRISMAS, B., MAJED, L., WESTON, K., TAYLOR, L., Institution: LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 2383

INTRODUCTION:
A hyperandrogenemic metabolic phenotype is prevalent in Qatari women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a population demonstrating higher PCOS prevalence (12%) compared to Caucasian women (6%). Reproductive hormones may effect vitamin D status. Vitamin D deficiency in Qatari women (80%), accompanied by high prevalence of PCOS and metabolic syndrome (43%), obesity (46%) and low physical activity [(PA); 44% <5000 steps.d) poses severe clinical risk for these females across their reproductive years. No study has investigated the association between 25(OH)D [vitamin D (VD)], sex-hormones, PA, body composition and cardiometabolic markers in Qatari women
METHODS:
Data obtained for this cross-sectional study consisted of a random sample of 1000 Arab (n = 929 Qatari) women from the Qatar Biobank. Blood samples were collected in anticoagulant-coated evacuated tubes (BD, Mississauga, ON, Canada). Plasma concentrations of the hormones, enzymes, and lipid markers were analyzed at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) diagnostic laboratory using Cobas 6000 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics). Serum 25(OH)D was analyzed using a LIAISON 25 OH Vitamin D TOTAL assay. Full body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (iDXA; General Electric) was performed to assess bone mineral density and body composition. Body mass, height, body mass index (BMI), were measured by a trained nurse. PA was measured via a self-reported questionnaire. Linear mixed models (random coefficient models) examined associations between VD and sex-hormones [estradiol, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)], and cardiometabolic biomarkers (insulin, glucose, cholesterol). Chi-square analyses examined associations between VD and PA and BMI classification
RESULTS:
23% were VD deficient (<30 nmol.L-1) and 43% inadequate (30-50 nmol.L-1). 86% did not meet the American College of Sports Medicine PA guidelines. 30% were overweight and 47% were obese. 1% had testosterone >2.7nmol/L and 18% had not menstruated for ≥12 months. There was an inverse association between VD and glucose (-2.25, p<0.001), but no association with estradiol (p=0.19), SHBG (p=0.44) or testosterone (p=0.75). There was a significant association between VD and BMI classification (χ2=29.8, p=0.01), but no significant association with PA classification (χ2=2.9, p=0.70).
CONCLUSION:
These data show highly prevalent obesity (47%) alongside VD (66%) and PA (86%) insufficiency in a female Qatari Arab population. No association between sex-hormones and VD are shown in the present sample, in contrast to elsewhere. Further objective data (e.g. PA, diet, supplementation) across the menstrual cycle and reproductive years are required to understand the interplay of these variables and the variability between samples. Better understanding of these would provide more secure evidence to inform interventional work upon (e.g., VD supplementation combined with PA) in an attempt to improve health outcomes in similar samples.