Multifaceted roles of phoenixin in polycystic ovary syndrome: a comparative study

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders of reproductive-aged women worldwide. Phoenixin is a newly identified neuropeptide associated with reproductive functions and energy homeostasis. The aim of this study was to measure the serum levels of phoenixin-14 and phoenixin-20 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome versus controls and to investigate the relationship between phoenixin and polycystic ovary syndrome-related reproductive and metabolic disorders.

This study was performed in 36 women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 36 healthy women. The serum levels of phoenixin-14 and phoenixin-20 were measured by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

The serum phoenixin-14, phoenixin-20, luteinizing hormone, insulin levels, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance values were higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome compared to the control group (p<0.05). In contrast, follicle-stimulating hormone (p<0.01) levels in the polycystic ovary syndrome group were significantly lower than those of the control group, while testosterone levels were significantly higher than those of the controls (p<0.005). A significant positive correlation was found between serum phoenixin-14 and phoenixin-20 (r=0.605; p=0.001), insulin (r=0.458; p=0.012), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r=0.453; p=0.014) in polycystic ovary syndrome groups. In polycystic ovary syndrome groups, serum phoenixin-14 was found to have a significant negative correlation with body mass index (r=-0.414; p=0.012). Phoenixin-20 levels correlated negatively with body mass index (r=-0.416; p=0.012) in polycystic ovary syndrome groups.

Phoenixin is dysregulated in polycystic ovary syndrome and is associated with metabolic parameters, warranting further mechanistic studies to elucidate its exact role.