The Effects of Chromium Supplementation on Endocrine Profiles, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Ahmad Esmaillzadeh
Mehri Jamilian
Mehrnush Amiri Siavashani
Zatollah Asemi
Maryam Mazloomi
Fereshteh Bahmani
Journal: Biological Trace Element Research (2016)
Discipline: BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Keywords: Chromium; Endocrine profiles; Inflammation; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Supplementation.
Affiliations: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran., Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran., Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Ghazvin University of Medical Sciences, Ghazvin, Iran., Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. ., Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract:  Limited data are available indicating the effects of chromium administration on endocrine profiles, biomarkers of inflammation, and oxidative stress among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study was done to assess the effects of chromium administration on endocrine profiles, biomarkers of inflammation, and oxidative stress in women with PCOS. Participants of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial consisted of 60 patients with PCOS who received either 200 Œºg chromium supplements (n = 30) or placebo daily (n = 30) for 8 weeks. Endocrine profiles, inflammatory factors, and biomarkers of oxidative stress were assessed at study baseline and at the end of intervention. After 8 weeks of intervention, pregnancy rate in chromium group was higher than that in the placebo group: 16.7 % (5/30) vs. 3.3 % (1/30), P = 0.08. In addition, prevalence of acne (20.0 vs. 3.3 %, P = 0.04) decreased following the administration of chromium supplements compared with the placebo. Taking chromium led to a significant reduction in hirsutism (-1.8 ¬± 2.5 vs. -0.2 ¬± 0.8, P = 0.002), serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (-717.0 ¬± 1496.1 vs. +227.1 ¬± 1669.6 ng/mL, P = 0.02), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) (-0.1 ¬± 0.7 vs. +1.1 ¬± 1.5 Œºmol/L, P &lt; 0.001), and a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) concentrations (+250.7 ¬± 265.2 vs. +13.0 ¬± 201.6 mmol/L, P &lt; 0.001). We failed to find any significant effect of chromium administration on endocrine profiles and nitric oxide (NO) and glutathione (GSH) levels. Overall, taking chromium for 8 weeks among women with PCOS had beneficial effects on acne, hirsutism, hs-CRP, TAC, and MDA levels, but it did not affect endocrine profiles, NO, and GSH. Clinical trial registration number: IRCT201506105623N44 ( www.irct.ir ). 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 7 appears to have a repeated image. ***  ***  , 
 Figure 8C appears to show some reused bands, after flipping horizontally, vertically and adjusting size. ***  , 
 #2 It seems to me there is one more duplication in 8C:  , 
 #Our comments on all 3 remarks. 1. We can not find so far the original raw data in order to prove or disapprove your statement concerning blots (we are looking for them). 2. We have the policy to keep histological slides 5 years after publishing in order to be sent to the experts in case of suspicions for data manipulations of photomicrographs. The original slides are no more available. ,