Serum leptin levels correlate with obesity parameters but not with hyperinsulinism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: To examine serum leptin concentrations in obese and lean patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to assess whether the changes in leptin levels are due to obesity or hormonal alterations. Design: Controlled clinical study. Setting: Academic research environment. Patient(s): Obese and lean women with PCOS. Intervention(s): Blood samples were collected before and after food consumption. Main Outcome Measure(s): Serum leptin and insulin levels. Result(s): Serum leptin concentrations were significantly correlated with body mass index (r = 0.649) and also with HOMA (r = 0.535). However, after controlling for body mass index in a partial correlation analysis, no significant correlation was found between serum leptin levels and HOMA or hyperinsulinemia. While lean patients with PCOS had a significant correlation between leptin concentrations and obesity parameters, they did not show any significant correlation with insulin resistance parameters. Conclusion(s): Although leptin concentrations in women with PCOS correlate with insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia, this is related only to obesity. (C) 2004 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.