The relationship between body mass index and insulin resistance with serumasprosin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common and multifactorial endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and various metabolic disturbances. In recent years, asprosin, a newly discovered adipokine secreted by white adipose tissue, has been implicated in glucose metabolism and insulin regulation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum asprosin levels, body mass index (BMI), and insulin resistance in women with PCOS. A total of 112 patients diagnosed with PCOS (based on Rotterdam criteria) and 40 healthy controls were included in the study. Participants were subgrouped according to BMI (<25 kg/m² and ≥25 kg/m²) and insulin resistance status (HOMA-IR ≥2.5). Fasting blood samples were collected to analyze biochemical parameters, hormonal profiles, and serum asprosin levels. The results revealed that the PCOS group had significantly higher serum asprosin levels, waist circumference, LH/FSH ratio, total testosterone, free androgen index (FAI), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels compared to the control group (p<0.05). Positive correlations were observed between asprosin levels and BMI, insulin resistance, and androgenic parameters. The ROC curve analysis showed that asprosin had a diagnostic performance with an AUC of 0.844, a cutoff value of 56.55 ng/mL, and p<0.001. In this study, asprosin levels were shown to be a significant biochemical parameter in individuals with PCOS, particularly in the presence of insulin resistance and increased body mass index. However, further research is needed to clarify the role of asprosin in normal-weight and non-insulin-resistant PCOS phenotypes. Such studies will provide guidance for the incorporation of asprosin into clinical practice as both a diagnostic and prognostic tool.