Effects of oral contraceptives on serum concentrations of adipokines and adiposity indices of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of oral contraceptives (OCs) with different progestins, including Levonorgestrel (LNG), Desogestrel (DSG), Cyproterone Acetate (CPA), and Drospirenone (DRSP) on adipokines levels and adiposity indices in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

In this parallel randomized clinical trial, 120 women with PCOS randomly assigned to intervention with OCs containing LNG, DSG, CPA, or DRSP. Outcomes of interest, including serum concentrations of adiponectin, leptin, and resistin, and adiposity indices, i.e., body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), obesity, central obesity, waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to height ratio (WHtR), lipid accumulation product (LAP), a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), and visceral adiposity index (VAI), and lipid profiles were assessed at baseline, and 6 months of treatment.

RESULTS

This study showed no significant differences in serum concentrations of adipokines between the four study groups after 6 months of treatment. Our results also showed that patients treated with various compounds of OC for 6 months had no significant differences in their adiposity indices, except for LAP (p = 0.04), and VAI (p = 0.03). PCOS patients treated with OCs containing CPA had significantly a higher mean LAP, compared to those using products containing LNG. Besides, patients treated with OCs containing CPA had significantly a higher mean VAI, compared to those treated with OCs containing DRSP.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that OCs with low androgenic and antiandrogenic activities had identical effects on serum concentrations of adipokines, and adiposity indices, except LAP, and VAI parameters.

REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20080929001281N3.