Endocrine Abstracts

Objectives: Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia are implicated in the pathogenesis of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the majority of the cases. Adiponectin is adipose tissue-specific protein and its correlation with insulin resistance is well established. The aim of the study was to access the correlation between adiponectin and anthropometric and metabolic parameters in a group of women with PCOS.

Methods: Thirty-one women with PCOS (age: 25.7±4.0 years, BMI: 25.8±6.6 kg/m²; mean±S.D.) and twenty-three age and BMI respective controls were examined. Anthropometric measurements were conducted by bioelectric impedance (Tanita). There was no significant difference in waist circumference between PCOS and controls (P=0.119). In all subjects serum concentrations of glucose, insulin (with HOMA calculation), C-peptide, cholesterol, HDL, LDL triglycerides, adiponectin, testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, estradiol, basal cortisol were determined. PCOS was diagnosed using ESHRE/ASRM criteria.

Results: There was neither significant difference in adiponectin plasma concentration between PCOS and control group (7.9±3.7 vs 9.1±3.1 μg/ml; P=0.194), nor there was significant difference in insulin levels (19.04±7.5 vs 14.1±5.4 mIU/l) and HOMA index (3.9±2.8 vs 2.6±1.1) in both groups. Only in PCOS group was found significant negative correlation between levels of adiponectin and waist circumference (P<0.05) and total body fat mass (P<0.05). There was significant positive correlation of adiponectin with HDL (P<0.01) and SHBG (P<0.01) and negative correlation with insulin (P<0.01), C-peptide (P<0.05), HOMA index (P<0.05) and estradiol (P<0.05). None of these correlations was found in control group.

Conclusion: There is no difference in plasma adiponectin concentration between our group of women with PCOS, and age and BMI matched healthy controls. Significant statistical correlation of adiponectin with anthropometric and metabolic parameters only in PCOS group, could indicate on intrinsic influence of specific form of insulin resistance in this group of women.