Endocrine Abstracts

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine abnormality connected not only with reproductive problems but also with impaired energy homeostasis leading to metabolic disorders including metabolic syndrome. Irisin (Ir), recently identified novel myokine, has been proposed to mediate some of the positive influence on metabolic disorders. The aim of our study was to search the relationship between Ir plasma concentration in PCOS in the context of metabolic disturbances.

Ir plasma concentration was measured using enzyme immunoassay method in 179 PCOS patients and 122 controls.

Ir plasma level in PCOS patients was 544±767 ng/ml and did not differ from controls (508±522 ng/ml). The concentration of the molecule was significantly higher in obese patients (763±904 ng/ml) than in subjects with proper body weight (488±633 ng/ml, P=0.002). In all subjects with high adipose body content (>40%) Ir was significantly higher than in lean persons (<30%) (1004±1003 and 618±782 ng/ml respectively, P=0.004). Such observation was recorded also in groups of PCOS patients and controls. No association between Ir plasma level and markers of insulin resistance (WHR, HOMA, fasting plasma insulin level), lipids, neither hormonal status was recorded.

Our findings indicate that Ir plasma concentration is related to adipose body content and confirm that an increased Ir secretion in obesity could result from an adaptive response and irisin-resistance, similarly to the well-known state of leptin-resistance. On the other hand we did not find any relation between Ir and markers of metabolic disturbances. In this respect PCOS patients do not seem to differ from healthy population.