Abstract :
Introduction: Adiponectin which is an important adipocyte derived cytokine was shown to play significant
role in reproduction, besides other biological functions. Altered adiponectin levels are observed in women
with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) owing to an increased prevalence of obesity in them. The altered
adiponectin levels could further contribute to the development of metabolic disturbances and associated
complications in PCOS women. Hence, assessment of adiponectin levels in women with PCOS may help
in understanding its role in causing metabolic disturbances. In this background, the present study was
aimed to measure adiponectin levels in women with PCOS and also to evaluate its association with the
biochemical parameters studied.
Materials and Methods: Thirty women diagnosed with PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria and 30 age
matched apparently healthy women were recruited. Fasting venous blood samples were collected from all
the subjects after informed consent. Adiponectin levels were measured along with measurement of fasting
blood glucose, lipid profile using commercial kits and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated.
Results: Serum adiponectin levels were significantly lower (p=0.002) whereas total cholesterol and
triglycerides were significantly higher in PCOS women compared to controls (p=0.005 and 0.028,
respectively). Fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and HDL cholesterol levels were similar in PCOS
women and controls.
Conclusions: The decreased adiponectin levels in PCOS women may form an important link between
obesity and complications of PCOS. Hence evaluation of adiponectin levels in these women and measures
to improve the levels by using drugs such as metformin and weight reduction might provide beneficial
effects.
Keyword :
Adiponectin, Insulin resistance, Obesity, Polycystic ovary syndrome.