Fibroblast growth factor 21 and its relation to metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective. the aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) between patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and control subjects and to assess the possible relation with the hormonal and metabolic parameters. Methods. A total of 91 patients with PCOS and 53 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls were included in the study. We evaluated anthropometric, hormonal and metabolic parameters in all the cases. Serum FGF-21 and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were measured by ELISA. Results. Mean fasting glucose and insulin, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels were significantly higher in PCOS patients. Serum FGF-21 levels were similar in PCOS (236.8 +/- 171.2 pg/ml) and the control (224.6 +/- 128.9 pg/ml) group (p = 0.654). FGF-21 level had no correlation with BMI, waist circumference, HOMA-IR, hsCRP and lipid parameters. However there was a significant negative correlation between FGF-21 and DHEAS levels (r = -0.309, p = 0.003). Conclusion. FGF-21 levels were similar in women with PCOS compared with those of age- and BMI-matched controls.