Role of osteocalcin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and adiponectin in polycystic ovary syndrome patients with insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance (IR) seems to be the main pathogenic factor in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are important in IR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlations of osteocalcin, adiponectin, and TNF-α with IR in PCOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 women were divided into two groups. The first group constituted 44 patients with PCOS and the control group comprised 16 healthy women. Osteocalcin, adiponectin, TNF-α levels, body mass index (BMI), and IR in the fasting state were assessed and correlations of these parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS: Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-IR, adiponectin, osteocalcin, and androstenedione levels were significantly increased in the PCOS group. A moderate positive correlation between BMI and HOMA-IR, a moderate negative correlation between TNF-α and osteocalcin, and a mild negative correlation between adiponectin and BMI were detected in PCOS.

CONCLUSION: Osteocalcin may have impact on adiponectin, TNF-α, and IR levels in PCOS. Different osteocalcin levels in patients with PCOS may be responsible for explaining PCOS heterogeneity.