Serum retinol-binding protein 4, leptin, and plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in obese and nonobese young women with polycystic ovary syndrome

ObjectiveTo evaluate retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), leptin, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to investigate their relationship with each other and with clinical, metabolic, and hormonal parameters.DesignClinical study.SettingUniversity hospital.Patient(s)Fifty-seven young women with PCOS (obese [n = 27] and nonobese [n = 30]) and 27 age-matched healthy controls.Intervention(s)History and physical examination, peripheral venous blood sampling.Main Outcome Measure(s)Asymmetric dimethylarginine, RBP4, leptin, LH, FSH, DHEAS, total T, E2, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR).Result(s)Obese women with PCOS had significantly higher HOMA-IR, DHEAS, leptin, RBP4, and ADMA levels. Leptin levels were significantly increased in nonobese subjects with PCOS. Leptin and ADMA levels were positively correlated with HOMA-IR in PCOS. There was no correlation between RBP4 and HOMA-IR. Leptin, RBP4, and ADMA levels are positively correlated in PCOS.Conclusion(s)[1] Young obese women with PCOS have increased ADMA, RBP4, and leptin levels, and they are positively correlated with each other. [2] The increased levels of leptin are independent of obesity, and leptin seems to have an association with IR. [3] Levels of RBP4 may not reflect IR in PCOS.