A study on Assessment of serum Leptin and serum Insulin in women with Polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism and ovarian polycystic changes on ultrasonogram. PCOS is often accompanied by obesity and insulin resistance. Leptin is produced mainly by the adipocytes. Debatable reports of relationship between leptin and insulin resistance exist. The objectives of study were to assess serum leptin and insulin level in PCOS subjects and to find out the correlation between serum leptin level and BMI in PCOS subjects and controls.

Methodology: The study was carried out in 30 PCOS subjects between the age group of 18- 35 years and 30 age and BMI matched healthy women with normal menstrual cycle as controls.

Fasting blood samples were collected. Serum leptin and serum insulin were estimated by ELISA and ECLIA methods respectively. Insulin resistance was calculated by HOMA. FBS, blood urea and serum creatinine were also measured.

Results: Serum Insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly high (p < 0.001) in PCOS subjects compared to controls. Higher mean serum leptin, mean BMI and mean FBS were observed in the PCOS subjects compared to controls but the difference between the two groups were not statistically significant. Leptin showed a significant positive correlation with BMI in the PCOS subjects and controls.

Conclusion: PCOS is associated with insulin resistance and places the subject at a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. Elevated serum leptin in PCOS women appears to be due to the positive correlation between leptin and BMI. Thus follow-up of these subjects with regard to metabolic syndrome may be beneficial.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, Serum Leptin, Serum Insulin.