Adipocytokines and asymmetric dimethylarginine in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered to be a prototype of metabolic syndrome (MS). Objective: To determine the levels of resistin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) as well as to assess their relationship with clinical and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. Materials and methods: The study included 22 overweight/obese PCOS patients and 20 metabolically healthy obese (MHO) women. Anthropometric, glucose and lipid parameters, total testosterone, resistin, IL-6, ADMA were determined. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Results: Significantly higher levels of ADMA and resistin were found in the PCOS women as compared to those in the MHO. IL-6 was positively correlated with WHR and negatively associated with HDL-cholesterol in the PCOS group. Conclusion: Higher resistin and ADMA concentrations in PCOS women showed a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. The correlation of IL-6 with WHR and HDL-cholesterol suggested a possible role of IL-6 in the development of MS in PCOS.