Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Aim: This study was designed to measure serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy subjects.

Methods: A total of 37 women were evaluated. Serum levels FGF21, glucose, lipid profile, hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, oestradiol, testosterone, thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin and insulin) were determined in 24 PCOS (15 subjects of PCOS BMI < 25 kg/m2, 9 subjects of PCOS BMI ≥ kg/m2) and 13 control group (BMI < 25 kg/m2).

Results: Serum FGF21 levels were higher in the PCOS group [99.5 (173.7) pg/ml] than in the control group [52.0 (88.0) pg/ml]. LH and T are significantly higher in PCOS cases (respectively; p < 0.05, p < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between FGF21 and luteinising hormone and testosterone (respectively; r = 0.43 p = 0.007, r = 0.38, p = 0.02). Multivariate discriminant analysis showed that BMI, triglyceride, HOMA-IR, fasting glucose with rise of FGF21 were found significant in PCOS.

Conclusion: Our study indicates that FGF21 in cases with PCOS exhibit an increase along with the increase of BMI and also has a positive correlation with LH and T. Further studies are required to clarify the aetiology and effects of FGF21 in women with PCOS.