CORRELATION OF LEPTIN AND ADIPONECTIN LEVELS WITH METABOLIC AND HORMONAL PROFILES IN PCOS PATIENTS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY WITH NORMAL CONTROLS

Objective: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by metabolic and reproductive abnormalities, including insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. Leptin and adiponectin, two adipokines involved in metabolic regulation, are known to be dysregulated in PCOS. This study aims to investigate the correlation between leptin and adiponectin levels and their association with metabolic and hormonal profiles in PCOS patients compared to healthy controls. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted involving 120 women diagnosed with PCOS and 50 healthy controls. Leptin and adiponectin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The adiponectin-to-leptin ratio (ALR) was calculated, and correlations with BMI, LH/FSH ratio, and other metabolic parameters were analyzed. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Leptin levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group compared to controls (25.34 ng/ml vs. 11.16 ng/ml, p<0.0001), while adiponectin levels were significantly lower (2.93 mcg/ml vs. 21.44 mcg/ml, p<0.0001). The adiponectin-to-leptin ratio was markedly reduced in PCOS patients (0.13 vs. 2.05, p<0.0001). A significant correlation was observed between the adiponectin/leptin ratio and the LH/FSH ratio (r = 0.2138, p = 0.019). Conclusion: This study highlights the dysregulation of leptin and adiponectin in PCOS, suggesting their potential role in metabolic and reproductive dysfunction. The adiponectin-to-leptin ratio emerges as a promising biomarker for insulin resistance and metabolic risk in PCOS patients.