Adiponectin, Leptin and Ghrelin Levels in Obese Adolescent Girls with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Study Objective: To evaluate the differences in adipokines, namely adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin, in obese adolescent girls with or without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design: Case-control study. Setting: University hospital. Participants: 38 adolescent girls (age 15-20 years). Group 1:17 Obese adolescent girls with PCOS (BMI >= 30 kg/m(2)); Group II: Control group of 21 obese adolescent girls (BMI a 30 kg/m2). Main Outcome Measures: Adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin measurements. Results: LH, LH/FSH, and cortisol levels were significantly higher in the obese PCOS girls compared to the obese controls (6.94 +/- 3.28 vs 4.44 +/- 1.79; 1.50 +/- 0.72 vs 0.90 +/- 0.36; 16.02 +/- 4.28 vs 12.46 +/- 5.29; P < .05, respectively). Adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin levels were similar between the obese PCOS girls and the obese controls (11.13 +/- 6.00 vs 15.26 +/- 12.66; 23.66 +/- 11.54 vs 23.11 +/- 11.17; 665.69 +/- 402.12 vs 650.22 +/- 467.73, respectively). Adiponectin negatively correlated with BMI (r = -0.32; P = .04) and positively correlated with fasting glucose (r = 0.40; P = .01). Leptin positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.534; P = .001), estradiol (r = 0.354; P = .02), and TSH (r = 0.374; P = .02). No significant correlation was found between ghrelin and the test parameters. Conclusion: Among obese adolescents with PCOS, adiponectin, and leptin levels do not seem to be determined by the existence of PCOS, while ghrelin presents no significant correlation.