[A case-control study of correlation between serum adiponectin levels and polycystic ovary syndrome]

To compare the difference of serum adiponectin levels between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients and age, boby mass index (BMI) and insulin-resistance index matched controls, and explore its influence factors.

Case-control study, involving 97 women with PCOS and 116 age, BMI, fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) matched controls. Hormone profiles, and serum adiponectin levels were measured and compared. Hormone profiles and serum adiponectin levels were compared among the four PCOS phenotypes. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the factors affecting serum adiponectin levels.

(1) Serum adiponectin level was significantly lower in PCOS group [(21±16) mg/L] than controls [(25±13) mg/L, P=0.038], and the same result in stratified analysis on weight height ratio (WHR, ≥0.8 and <0.8). (2) There was statistical differences in testosterone among different four PCOS phenotypes (P=0.001), there were no statistical differences in FSH, LH, WHR and serum adiponectin levels among four PCOS phenotypes (P>0.05). (3) WHR and PCOS status were independent determinants of serum adiponectin levels (P<0.05).

Low serum adiponectin levels in the women with PCOS is correlated with PCOS per se, independent of insulin resistance and obese. This fact supports the further study of the effect of adiponection in the pathophysiology of PCOS and its log-term impact.