Exploring Adipsin, Irisin, and Osteopontin as Biomarkers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Their Associations with Metabolic Alterations: A prospective, case-control study

Abstract

Abstract Background Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in premenopausal women, often associated with metabolic alterations. This study aimed to assess adipsin, irisin, and osteopontin levels and correlate the measurements with the metabolic changes in PCOS patients, with a scientific rationale rooted in exploring potential links between these biomarkers and the pathophysiology of PCOS. Methods A prospective, case-control study was conducted on patients diagnosed with PCOS. Group PCOS comprised patients with PCOS, while healthy women were included in Group Control. Serum adipsin, irisin, and osteopontin levels were measured, and various demographic and clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters related to the metabolic status of PCOS were assessed. Results The study included 96 PCOS patients and 80 healthy women. The patients in Group PCOS were significantly younger than those in Group Control (p < 0.001). There were significantly more obese patients in Group PCOS than in Group Control (p = 0.013). PCOS patients had higher serum adipsin (p = 0.020) and lower osteopontin levels (p < 0.001) than healthy women, with obesity and age influencing these differences. The predictive power of osteopontin, with an AUC value of 0.802, was superior to adipsin, with an AUC value of 0.602, in diagnosing PCOS. Besides, osteopontin, in combination with adipsin, had the highest AUC value (AUC = 0.817) than the other dual or triple combinations. Conclusion This study suggests potential links between adipsin, osteopontin, and irisin and PCOS. However, further research is needed to fully understand their roles and clinical implications in PCOS and its associated metabolic changes. The findings highlight the influence of age and obesity on these biomarkers and their relationship with PCOS, shedding light on the complex pathophysiology of the syndrome.