Comparison of serum irisin and leptin levels in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-age women, often associated with obesity and metabolic dysfunction. This study investigated the relationship between two key metabolic biomarkers, irisin and leptin, in obese and non-obese women with PCOS compared to healthy controls. This prospective case-control study included 80 women, with 40 diagnosed with PCOS and 40 healthy controls. Each group was further divided into obese and non-obese subgroups, forming four groups. Serum irisin and leptin levels were measured using ELISA kits. Clinical and metabolic parameters (body mass index [BMI], insulin resistance, and fasting glucose) were analyzed, and correlations were evaluated. Leptin levels differed between groups, with lower levels observed in PCOS compared to controls. Irisin levels were significantly lower in obese subgroups, irrespective of PCOS status (p < 0.05). Leptin positively correlated with BMI, insulin levels, and insulin resistance, while irisin negatively correlated with BMI and insulin resistance. Obesity plays a role in modulating irisin and leptin levels in PCOS. These findings provide an integrated perspective on adipokine-myokine interactions in PCOS, rather than identifying novel biomarkers. Larger, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.