Serum leptin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: To determine whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is related to leptin dysregulation. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in a university hospital. Patient(s): Fifty patients with PCOS (33 nonobese and 17 obese) and 32 control women (19 nonobese and 13 obese) were included in the study. Intervention(s): Serum leptin levels were measured in patients with PCOS and the controls. Correlations between leptin levels and serum hormone levels (FSH, LH. free testosterone, androstenedione, DREA-S and fasting insulin) were studied. Main Outcome Measure(s): Serum leptin levels and correlations between leptin levels and the hormonal parameters. Result(s): Mean serum leptin levels were not significantly higher in patients with PCOS compared to the control group. Leptin levels were found to be significantly higher in the obese subgroups both in patients with PCOS and in the control women. Leptin levels were found to be higher in obese patients with PCOS compared to obese controls; however, when the levels were evaluated again with covariance analysis excluding body mass index, there was no statistically significant difference. Leptin levels had a positive correlation with body mass index, both in patients with PCOS and the controls. Conclusion(s): Leptin levels were not higher in patients with PCOS compared to the control group; the leptin level was correlated with the amount of fat tissue not only in patients with PCOS but also in healthy women. (Fertil Steril((R)) 2002;77:932-5. (C)2002 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine).