Decreased serum profile of the interleukin-36α in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the serum adiponectin and interleukin-36 alpha (IL-36α) levels in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and their relationship with obesity. Materials and methodsThis observatory study included 80 PCOS patients and 58 controls. The clinical, biochemical, and hormonal parameters, and serum adiponectin and IL-36α levels of the patients were evaluated. ResultsThe serum IL-36α levels of the PCOS patients were significantly lower when compared to the control group, despite a similar mean body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.000). The adiponectin levels were significantly lower in the obese PCOS group when compared to the obese control group (P = 0.03). The plasma IL-36α level was positively correlated with adiponectin level, but negatively correlated with the serum LH level (P = 0.000 and P = 0.004, respectively). Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, the cut-off value of IL-36α was calculated as 0.815 for PCOS. In the multiple binary logistic regression analysis, IL-36α (OR [95% CI] 0.432 [0.303, 0.616], P < 0.001) and adiponectin (OR [95% CI] 1.044 [1.005, 1.084], P = 0.028) were determined to be significantly associated with PCOS. ConclusionA reduced IL-36α level may play a role in the pathogenesis of ovulatory disfunction and insulin resistance in PCOS patients. Further studies are needed to understand the pathogenic and clinical significance of the IL-36 system in PCOS.