Adipokines: A New Tool for Early Detection of Metabolic Syndrome in PCOS patients, Study Finds

"Adipokines such as adiponectin, leptin, and resistin showed significant variations between women with and without MetS, suggesting their potential as early biomarkers for detection and intervention," the researchers reported. "In contrast, traditional indicators like fasting glucose, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels were more predictive in later stages, reinforcing the value of adipokines in the early diagnosis and management of MetS in PCOS patients."

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, as both conditions share common underlying factors. Adipokines—hormones produced by fat tissue—play a key role in this link by affecting how fat is stored and used in the body. These changes in fat metabolism can contribute to the development of MetS.

To better understand this connection, Chaitali Maitra, Biochemistry, Dr. S.S. Tantia Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Sri Ganganagar, IND, and colleagues looked at adipokine levels in women with PCOS, both with and without MetS, aiming to explore whether these molecules could serve as early warning signs for metabolic complications in PCOS patients.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a monocentric, tertiary hospital-based study involving 144 women with PCOS, classified according to the Rotterdam criteria and screened for MetS. Based on the presence or absence of MetS, participants were divided into two groups. The study measured and compared adipokine levels—adiponectin, leptin, and resistin—along with various biochemical and anthropometric parameters. Data analysis was performed using Jamovi statistical software (version 2.3), employing independent samples t-tests and multinomial regression to assess the associations.

The study led to the following findings:

• Out of 144 women with PCOS included in the study, 58 were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (MetS).
• The highest prevalence of MetS was observed in the non-PCO (O+HA) phenotype, accounting for 53 of the 58 MetS cases.
• Statistically significant differences in adipokine levels were found between the MetS and non-MetS groups.
• Adiponectin, leptin, and resistin emerged as significant early predictors of MetS in women with PCOS.
• In the later stages of MetS, traditional markers such as fasting blood glucose, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels remained reliable indicators.

The study found a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS, with altered adipokine levels serving as early predictors of its development.

"While adipokines were significant in the early stages, traditional markers like fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, and waist circumference became more predictive in later stages. Measuring adipokines early on could aid in the timely diagnosis and management of MetS in PCOS patients," the authors wrote.

Reference:

Maitra C, Maitra A (April 16, 2025) Role of Adipokines in the Development of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Cureus 17(4): e82355. doi:10.7759/cureus.82355