[The role of leptin in polycystic ovary syndrome].

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of functional infertility. It concerns 5-10% women of reproductive age. PCOS is connected with many clinical symptoms, mostly menstrual disorders like oligomenorrhoea with chronic anovulation. In laboratory assays hyperandrogenism is found. In some patients also metabolic disturbances like insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemy, and hyperleptinemia are found. Ultrasound characteristic features polycystic ovaries. In 2003 on Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored PCOS Consensus Workshop Group Meeting new PCOS criteria were defined. Recent studies revealed that increased leptin concentration is characteristic for PCOS patients. It can be connected with coexistence of impaired glucose tolerance and obesity, nevertheless still more studies concerning role of leptin in PCOS pathogenesis are needed.