BACKGROUND AND AIM: Adiponectin is regarded as a possible link between adiposity and insulin resistance. Ghrelin and leptin are considered as signals of energy status. We evaluated the relationships between these peptides, androgens and insulin sensitivity in women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS: Thirty-six women with PCOS were examined with euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (to determine M/I, index of insulin sensitivity). Leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, androgens, and SHBG were determined. Statistics was done using correlation analysis and backward stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: The positive correlation of adiponectin with testosterone remains significant even after adjustment for BMI (p = 0.01), M/I (p = 0.009) and for both M/I and BMI (p = 0.02). In multiple regression with testosterone, M/I, leptin and ghrelin as independent variables, the model including testosterone (p = 0.03) and ghrelin (p = 0.002) explained 49% of the variability (p < 0.0012) of adiponectin. CONCLUSIONS: Both adiponectin and ghrelin can be involved in the pathophysiology of PCOS but their relation must be delineated further.

Institute of Endocrinology Prague Czech Republic

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