Endocrine Abstracts

PCOS is associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. Adiponectin receptors (Adipo-R1, Adipo-R2) are expressed in human myotubes. Their mRNA levels were found to be correlated with insulin and circulating triglycerides.

The aims of this study, were to investigate the expression of adiponectin and its receptors in adipose tissue from normal and PCOS women (Ethical approval was obtained from the University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust Local Research Ethics Committee). Fasting serum adiponectin was measured in these women to explore the correlation between adiponectin and its receptors and the hormonal and metabolic parameters of the syndrome.

Expression of mRNA and protein was measured by real-time PCR (Roche LightCycler) and Western blotting respectively, in subcutaneous (Sc) and omental (Om) adipose tissue from Non-PCOS, (n = 4), PCOS (n=4), BMI matched (29-31). Also, fasting blood samples were collected for measurement of adiponectin and other hormonal and metabolic parameters using radioimmunoassay (RIA).

The mRNA expression of Adipo-R1 and Adipo-R2 were higher in all adipose tissue samples (Sc and Om) from PCOS women. This mRNA expression was higher in Om vs. Sc adipose tissue from PCOS women. This difference being more pronounced with Adipo-R2. Interestingly, in normal samples the reverse profile was found. Although serum adiponectin levels were lower in PCOS women, adiponectin mRNA expression did not appear to be significantly different in PCOS compared with non-PCOS. Futhermore, mRNA expression was higher in Sc vs. Om adipose tissue in both these groups of women.

In conclusion, the altered expression of adiponectin receptors in PCOS women may have important implications in the pathophysiology of this disease.