Serum retinol-binding protein 4, leptin, and plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in obese and nonobese young women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: To evaluate retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), leptin, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to investigate their relationship with each other and with clinical, metabolic, and hormonal parameters. Design: Clinical study. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): Fifty-seven young women with PCOS (obese [n = 27] and nonobese [n = 30]) and 27 age-matched healthy controls. Intervention(s): History and physical examination, peripheral venous blood sampling. Main Outcome Measure(s): Asymmetric dimethylarginine, RBP4, leptin, LH, FSH, DHEAS, total T, E-2, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Result(s): Obese women with PCOS had significantly higher HOMA-IR, DHEAS, leptin, RBP4, and ADMA levels. Leptin levels were significantly increased in nonobese subjects with PCOS. Leptin and ADMA levels were positively correlated with HOMA-IR in PCOS. There was no correlation between RBP4 and HOMA-IR. Leptin, RBP4, and ADMA levels are positively correlated in PCOS. Conclusion(s): [1] Young obese women with PCOS have increased ADMA, RBP4, and leptin levels, and they are positively correlated with each other. [2] The increased levels of leptin are independent of obesity, and leptin seems to have an association with IR. [3] Levels of RBP4 may not reflect IR in PCOS. (Fertil Steril (R) 2011;96:246-50. (C) 2011 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)