Adiponectin, Leptin and Ghrelin Levels in Obese Adolescent Girls with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the differences in adipokines, namely adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin, in obese adolescent girls with or without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).DesignCase-control study.SettingUniversity hospital.Participants38 adolescent girls (age 15-20 years). Group I: 17 Obese adolescent girls with PCOS (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2); Group II: Control group of 21 obese adolescent girls (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2).Main Outcome MeasuresAdiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin measurements.ResultsLH, LH/FSH, and cortisol levels were significantly higher in the obese PCOS girls compared to the obese controls (6.94 ± 3.28 vs 4.44 ± 1.79; 1.50 ± 0.72 vs 0.90 ± 0.36; 16.02 ± 4.28 vs 12.46 ± 5.29; P < .05, respectively). Adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin levels were similar between the obese PCOS girls and the obese controls (11.13 ± 6.00 vs 15.26 ± 12.66; 23.66 ± 11.54 vs 23.11 ± 11.17; 665.69 ± 402.12 vs 650.22 ± 467.73, respectively). Adiponectin negatively correlated with BMI (r = −0.32; P = .04) and positively correlated with fasting glucose (r = 0.40; P = .01). Leptin positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.534; P = .001), estradiol (r = 0.354; P = .02), and TSH (r = 0.374; P = .02). No significant correlation was found between ghrelin and the test parameters.ConclusionAmong obese adolescents with PCOS, adiponectin, and leptin levels do not seem to be determined by the existence of PCOS, while ghrelin presents no significant correlation.