Serum leptin as an additional possible pathogenic factor in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: Recent data raised the possibility that high leptin levels may contribute to infertility in some women with PCOS. Design and methods: To assess changes in leptin levels and its relationship to some hormonal changes (insulin, testosterone, SHBG, FSH, LH, and prolactin) associated with PCOS in obese (n= 27) and nonobese (n= 18) patients when compared to obese and nonobese normal controls (n= 20). Results: Leptin concentration were significantly higher in PCOS than in controls, p< 0.05, with 81% sensitivity and 50% specificity. Whereas, high serum insulin levels were found in obese and nonobese women with PCOS, high serum leptin, FAI together with reduced SHBG were found in obese rather than nonobese PCOS women. Moreover, hyperleptinemia in PCOS women was not correlated to hyperinsulinemia (r=− 0.13 and− 0.4 in obese and nonobese PCOS women