To Evaluate the Association between Serum Leptin and Insulin/Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in a Tertiary Care Centre in North India

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) a common endocrinological disorder among women in the reproductive age group, is associated with hyperinsulinemia/Insulin resistance, obesity, menstrual irregularities and anovulation.

Aim and Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the association between insulin/insulin resistance and leptin among women with PCOS in a sample population of a tertiary care centre in North India.

Materials: Ninety newly diagnosed cases of PCOS as per Rotterdam criteria were enrolled in the study, along with ninety normal women of similar age and BMI. Serum insulin, fasting glucose and serum leptin were estimated, Insulin resistance was calculated using (HOMA-IR) the homeostatic model for assessment-insulin resistance.

Results: In our study leptin levels were raised in both cases and in controls. Leptin levels correlated positively with BMI among the cases (r=0.21) and also among the controls (r=0.003). In our study PCOS women had higher mean BMI and leptin levels when compared to controls. Insulin levels correlated positively with BMI among the cases (r=0.21) and was statistically significant (P=.004). Insulin levels were higher in women with BMI in the overweight and obese category. Although most of our cases were of lean weight and BMI in the normal range, high insulin and IR was detected in them showing impaired glucose metabolism. Leptin levels were higher in cases group who also had high IR when compared to healthy controls in our study. Leptin levels correlated positively with IR among cases (r=0.25) and this was statistically significant (P=.013).

Conclusion: Our study showed higher serum Leptin, insulin and IR among PCOS cases when compared to the control group.