Association between serum adipocyte factor level and insulin resistance in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

The relationship between serum adipocytokines level and insulin resistance (IR) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is unclear. Sixty-one patients with PCOS were divided into an IR group (n = 31) and a non-IR group (n = 30) using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone, total testosterone, insulin, glucose, and adipocytokines were measured by radioimmunoassay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The serum adiponectin level in women with PCOS and IR was lower than that of non-IR PCOS patients (P < 0.05); however, there were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to resistin, leptin, and leptin receptor levels (P > 0.05). And the levels of adipocytokines and IR are significantly correlated; consequently, adipocytokines may be involved in the development of IR in PCOS patients.