Insulin resistance‑associated adipokine and oxidative stress profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Although polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder among reproductive-aged women, the integrated role of adipokines in linking metabolic and hormonal dysfunction remains incompletely understood.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to evaluate the associations between lipid profile alterations, selected adipokines (resistin, galectin-3, and apelin), oxidative stress markers, and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) in women with PCOS compared to controls.

METHODS

This case-control study included 85 women with PCOS and 55 age-matched controls. Anthropometric and clinical data were collected. Levels of lipid profiles, adipokines, oxidative stress markers, and HOMA-IR were measured. Group comparisons and correlation analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Women with PCOS demonstrated elevated levels of resistin, galectin-3, and apelin compared to the controls, with respective measurements of 3.55 ± 0.52 vs 1.07 ± 0.34, 10.01 ± 1.76 vs 3.49 ± 1.03, and 289.23 ± 20.08 vs 191.31 ± 31.30), respectively. MDA exhibited a significant increase, whereas TAC was significantly reduced in the PCOS group. HOMA-IR showed significant positive associations with lipid profiles, adipokines, and levels of MDA, and an inverse correlation with HDL and TAC.

CONCLUSION

The findings support the concept that altered adipokine levels and oxidative stress indices may reflect underlying metabolic dysfunction in women with PCOS.