Serum Adiponectin Level in Women of Reproductive Age Group with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Case-Control Study

Poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common heterogeneous endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting women of reproductive age group. Adiponectin, the adipocytokine secreted by adipose tissue is a possible link between insulin resistance and gonadal dysfunction in PCOS. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the serum adiponectin level in women with PCOS and without PCOS. The study also evaluated the association of adiponectin with lipid profile and fasting plasma glucose. For this, we have selected 48 women of reproductive age group (15-44 years) with PCOS as cases. Age and body mass index (BMI) matched 48 healthy women were taken as controls. The mean serum adiponectin level was significantly low (P<0.05) in PCOS group compared to control group. The PCOS group had significantly higher triglyceride levels (P<0.05) and lower mean high-density lipoprotein level (P<0.05). In conclusion, our study confirms that, irrespective of BMI, serum adiponectin level is significantly low in women with PCOS compared to healthy controls. Yet another important finding of the study was the association of dyslipidemia with hypoadiponectinemia in PCOS patients. Key words:  Adiponectin, PCOS, BMI, Insulin Resistance, CAD