Assessment of serum adiponectin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Background and Aim: Serum adiponectin levels were found to be altered in women with polycysticovary syndrome (PCOS) due to the increased adiposity commonly observed in them. Accordingly,earlier studies have reported decreased adiponectin levels in PCOS women. the present study wasconducted to measure serum adiponectin levels in women with PCOS and to evaluate its associationwith the biochemical parameters studied.Material and Methods: The present study included 50women of reproductive age attending the department of Gynecology, tertiary care institute of Indiaand diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome based on Rotterdam criteria. Fifty age-matchedhealthy women were recruited as controls. t. Adiponectin levels were measured along withmeasurement of fasting blood glucose, lipid profile using commercial kits and insulin resistance(HOMA-IR) was calculated. Results: Both the study groups were matched concerning age, however,PCOS women were obese when compared to healthy women (p<0.001). Serum total cholesterol andtriglyceride levels were significantly higher (p≤0.05) and serum adiponectin concentration wassignificantly lower in PCOS women when compared to controls (p≤0.05). HDL cholesterol, fastinginsulin and HOMA-IR were similar between cases and controls. Adiponectin did not show significantassociation with any of the parameters studied (Table 2). Conclusion: Serum adiponectin levels aresignificantly lower in women with polycystic ovary syndrome compared to healthy women. Thehyperandrogenemia which is one of the characteristic features of PCOS leads to a state of adipositywhich can further cause a decrease in adiponectin levels.