Fetuin-A levels in lean and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Introduction: The aim of this study was to estimate serum fetuin-A levels in lean and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to find possible relationships between fetuin-A, metabolic factors and androgens in these patients. Material and methods: In 25 lean (18-38 years, BMI 17.5-25.0 kg/m(2)) and 15 obese women (20-41 years, BMI 28.1-53.2 kg/m(2)) with PCOS, anthropometric indices and body composition were measured. Fasting serum fetuin-A, adiponectin, leptin, glucose, lipids, hsCRP, insulin, androgens and SHGB levels were estimated. Results: There was no significant difference in serum fetuin-A levels between lean and obese patients: 0.54 +/- 0.13 g/L and 0.60 +/- 0.14 g/L, respectively. We noted a correlation between BMI and leptin levels (r = 0.88; p < 0.0001) and a nearly significant negative correlation between BMI and adiponectin levels (r = -0.53; p = 0.11) in all subjects. In lean patients, we found a correlation between fetuin-A levels and ALT activity (r = 0.44; p < 0.05). In all participants, fetuin-A correlated directly with DHEA-S levels (r = 0.44; p < 0.03). Conclusions: Serum fetuin-A levels were similar in lean and obese women with PCOS. We found an association between fetuin-A levels and ALT activity in lean patients and between fetuin-A levels and DHEA-S in all women. The role of fetuin-A in the mechanisms of insulin resistance, and its potential impact on androgenic hormones production in women with PCOS, need to be tested in further studies.