Dysregulated adipocytokines in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with features linked to metabolic syndrome including visceral obesity, dyslipidemia and impaired glucose homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that these metabolic effects are linked to a low-grade chronic inflammation with the triad of hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenism, and low-grade inflammation acting together in a vicious cycle. Adipose tissue produces immunomodulatory adipocytokines which contribute to regulation of insulin sensitivity, reproduction and cardiovascular function. Limited evidence is available on the role of adipocytokines in PCOS. Aim(s): This study investigated the relationships between PCOS status, adipocytokines and aetiological features of PCOS. Method(s): In an observational study of community recruited PCOS and controls, we measured serum HMW-adiponectin, omentin, resistin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), plasminogen activator inhibotir-1(PAI-1), high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), androgens, SHBG, fasting glucose and insulin levels. Result(s): Forty-nine women with PCOS (age 29.8 +/- 5.9 years, BMI: 29.0 +/- 5.4 kg/m2) and 25 healthy controls (age 37.6 +/- 7.8 years, BMI: 28.9 +/- 4.0 kg/m2) were recruited. Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P = 0.006), free androgen index (FAI) (P = 0.01) and Ferriman-Galway score (P < 0.001) were higher in PCOS. For adipocytokines, women with PCOS had lower omentin [median (IQR): 68.76(67.17) vs 112.45(67.42)] (P = 0.01) and higher hs-CRP [median (IQR): 2.15 (3.4) vs 1.00 (2.1)] (P = 0.03) after adjustment for age and BMI. On assessment of non-obese and obese subgroups, HMWadiponectin and omentin were lower in obese women with PCOS compared to obese controls (P = 0.022 and P = 0.034 respectively) and nonobese PCOS (P = 0.028 and P = 0.016 respectively). Among women with PCOS, HMW-adiponectin was negatively correlated with HOMA-IR and FAI, however only the correlation between HMW-adiponectin and FAI