Validity of adiponectin-to-leptin and adiponectin-to-resistin ratios as predictors of polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the association of changes in adipokine ratios with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and related features as altered levels of the adipokines adiponectin, leptin, and resistin were linked with the pathogenesis of PCOS.

Design Case-control retrospective study.

Setting Outpatient obstetrics/gynecology and adult endocrinology clinics.

Patient(s) Unrelated women with PCOS (n = 211) and age-matched control women (n = 215).

Intervention(s) None.

Main Outcome Measure(s) Utility of adiponectin/leptin and adiponectin/resistin ratios as potential biomarkers of PCOS and associated features.

Result(s) Significant differences in adiponectin but not leptin or resistin serum levels were seen between women with PCOS and control women. Ratios of adiponectin/leptin and adiponectin/resistin, but not leptin/resistin ratios, were statistically significantly different between PCOS cases and control women. Receiver operated characteristics area under the curve demonstrated sensitivity and specificity for adiponectin/leptin and adiponectin/resistin but not leptin/resistin ratios or individual adipokines as predictors of PCOS. Adiponectin/leptin and adiponectin/resistin ratios negatively correlated with body mass index, homeostatic model assessment, insulin resistance, and free insulin, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin. In addition, adiponectin/resistin ratio negatively correlated with menarche.

Conclusion(s) Ratios of adiponectin/leptin and adiponectin/resistin constitute novel predictor factors to explain PCOS and associated features and thus may present target for novel therapeutics in PCOS.