Evaluation of plasma nesfatin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is seen in 5-10% of the women at the reproductive age and is characterized by hirsutism, obesity, insulin resistance and hyperandrojenism.Nesfatin, a recently discovered hormone, has an effect on energy balance, glucose metabolism, obesity, and possibly gonadal functions.This present study was designed to exhibit whether plasma nesfatin levels differ in women with PCOS compared with healthy controls; and whether there is a relationship between this peptid and the basal levels of gonadotrophins, androgens, insulin, insulin resistance as well as lipid profiles.30 women with PCOS and 30 healthy ones were enrolled in this study. Plasma nesfatin and serum gonadotrophins, androgens, 17-OH-progesterone, sex hormone binding globulin, glucose, insulin and blood lipids were measured.Plasma nesfatin levels in women with PCOS(0.88±0.86 ng/ml) were found to be significantly lower than the control group(2.22±1.14 ng/ml) (p<0.05).Ferriman-Gallwey score, prolactin (PRL) ,glucose, insulin, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), total testestorone and androstenodione levels and HOMAİR index in women with PCOS were found to be significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05).SHBG levels were found to be significantly lower in women with PCOS(p<0.05).However, there was no significant difference for other paramaters when compared with control subjects.As a result, plasma nesfatin levels in women with PCOS were found to be significantly lower than the control group and it is thought that this hormone may be one of the factors which contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS.Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, nesfatin