Serum galectin-3 levels in women with PCOS

Abstract

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) plays a role in modulation of adiposity, glucose hemostasis and inflammation. The association between Gal-3 and the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is not investigated. We aimed to evaluate galectin-3 levels in serum and their relation with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance (IR) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in control subjects. 56 women with PCOS were enrolled along with a control group of 41 healthy women, matched for age and body mass index. We measured hormonal and metabolic parameters, as well as the serum galectin-3 concentration of each participant. We estimated the IR according to the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Women with PCOS had higher levels of serum Gal-3 compared to healthy individuals (3,588.77±1,566.94 vs 2,491.33±812.04, P<0.001). Serum Gal-3 levels were correlated with progesterone (r=0.241, P=0.025), hirsutism score (r=0.296, P=0.006), insulin (r=0.479, P=0.028), HOMA-IR (r=0.514, P=0.017), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (r=0.246, P=0.022), testosterone (r=0.252, P=0.019), and free testosterone (r=0.306, P=0.004). Galectin-3 levels are higher in patients with PCOS, and there is a positive correlation between galectin-3 level and IR, androgen levels and hirsutismus scores. Gal-3 may be a new mediator of PCOS via IR, hyperandrogenism.