The relationship between prolactin level and inflammatory markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between prolactin (PRL) levels and inflammatory markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to controls.. Methods: A total of 120 women, 60 with PCOS and 60 controls, were included in this study. The participants were divided into four groups based on their PRL levels: hyperprolactinemia PCOS, normal PRL PCOS, hyperprolactinemia controls, and normal PRL controls. The levels of various inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), Hb, red cell distribution width (RDW-SD), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW), were measured and compared between the groups. The correlation between PRL levels and inflammatory markers was also analyzed. Results: The results show that the mean value of CRP was higher in the PCOS group with hyperprolactinemia (2.15±1.61) compared to the PCOS group with normal PRL levels (1.68±1.19), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.432). The correlation results show that there was a statistically significant negative correlation between PRL levels and Hb (r=-0.313, p=0.015) and a positive correlation between PRL levels and RDW-SD (r=0.352, p=0.006) in PCOS patients. In PCOS patients, higher PRL levels were associated with increased RDW-SD, decreased Hb levels, decreased platelet count, and increased MPV and PDW. However, there was no significant correlation between PRL levels and inflammatory markers in the control group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that higher PRL levels may be associated with increased inflammation in PCOS patients. However, further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and potential clinical implications of these associations.