Determinants of insulin responsiveness in young women: Impact of polycystic ovarian syndrome, nitric oxide, and vitamin D

► Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is associated with endothelial dysfunction and platelet NO resistance. ► However, PCOS is also associated with insulin resistance (IR) and obesity. ► In these young PCOS subjects and controls, platelet NO resistance and low plasma vitamin D levels correlated with IR. ► However, in PCOS subjects only, high BMI, elevated CRP and elevation of ADMA concentrations were correlates of IR. ► These differential relationships may contribute to incremental atherogenic risk in PCOS.