ABSTRACT

To determine plasma adiponectin levels in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and to assess its correlation to hormonal, metabolic and clinical parameters.

Thirty-seven high school students aged 15-18 and diagnosed as having PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria were enrolled in the study. Adiponectin, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedion, DHEAS, 17-OH progesterone, TSH, prolactin levels were measured on the second and fifth days of the menstrual cycle. 75 gram OGTT was performed. Ovarian volume, stromal artery RI and PI were measured transabdominally. Body mass index (BMI) and waist/ hip ratio was calculated. The correlation of all other parameters to adiponectin levels was assessed.

Adiponectin levels correlated negatively with BMI, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and triglyceride levels, whereas they correlated positively with HDL levels. There was no correlation between adiponectin levels and androgen levels.

Serum adiponectin levels in adolescents were associated with many of the clinical and laboratory findings of PCOS, especially those related to metabolic abnormalities. We believe that serum adiponectin measurement will have further use in diagnosis, metabolic risk assessment and treatment follow up of PCOS.

Keywords: Adiponectin, polycystic ovary syndrome, adolescent, insulin resistance