Higher fasting serum irisin tied to PCOS among lean and obese adolescents, reports study

The research suggests that both lean and obese adolescents and young adults with PCOS exhibited significantly higher fasting serum irisin levels compared to their respective control groups. Additionally, the participants' metabolic and reproductive traits were closely associated with irisin levels.

PCOS is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries and is often associated with metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance, obesity, and infertility. Given the complex nature of PCOS, researchers have been searching for reliable biomarkers that could aid in its diagnosis and help track its progression, particularly in younger populations. Irisin, a myokine that may be associated with insulin sensitivity, has been studied about PCOS, a common hormonal disorder characterized by insulin resistance. Previous research has indicated elevated circulating irisin levels in adult women with PCOS.

Against the above background, Hira Moin, Department of Physiology, NUST School of Health Sciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan, and colleagues aimed to investigate the variations in serum irisin levels between lean and obese adolescents and young adults with PCOS, as well as their corresponding lean and obese control groups. Additionally, it seeks to explore the correlation between irisin levels and the metabolic and reproductive traits of the participants.

For this purpose, the researchers employed a cross-sectional study design, including 60 cases of PCOS and 60 controls. The participants were categorized into lean and obese groups based on their body mass index (BMI). The study involved measuring fasting serum irisin levels along with assessing various physical, metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive characteristics of the participants.

The study revealed the following findings:

• Lean cases of PCOS had significantly higher fasting serum irisin levels than lean controls (PCOS = 17.07 ± 5.61 ng/ml versus lean controls = 11.04 ± 7.51 ng/ml).
• Lean cases also had elevated levels of glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, LH, estradiol, and testosterone, along with significantly lower levels of QUICKI compared to lean controls.
• Obese cases of PCOS had significantly higher fasting serum irisin levels compared to obese controls (PCOS = 22.06 ± 3.83 ng/ml vs obese controls = 16.86 ± 6.74 ng/ml).
• Obese cases exhibited elevated levels of glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, LH, estradiol, and testosterone, and significantly lower levels of FSH and QUICKI compared to obese controls.
• Serum irisin levels showed significant positive correlations with BMI, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, LH, estradiol, and testosterone.
• Positive correlations were also found with triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
• Significant negative correlations were observed with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and QUICKI in the entire cohort.
• Fasting serum glucose (β = 0.337), triglycerides (β = 0.249), and LH (β = 0.382) were identified as positive predictors of serum irisin concentrations in the overall sample.

"Lean and obese adolescent and young adult cases of PCOS exhibited significantly higher fasting serum irisin levels compared to their respective controls. Additionally, metabolic and reproductive traits of the participants were found to correlate with irisin levels," the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Majeed, S., Moin, H., Shafi, R., Fatima, S., Zahra, T., & Zafar, S. (2024). Exploring the role of irisin as a potential biomarker in adolescents and young adults with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Women's Health. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057241302559