Associations Between Adipocyte Fatty Acid-binding Protein and Clinical Parameters in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Purpose: We evaluated a possible association between serum adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) levels and clinical parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: Our study included 86 women: 49 with PCOS (study group), 37 with non-PCOS (control group). We recorded and analyzed age, body mass index [BMI = weight (kg)/height (m)(2)], waist circumference, and blood pressure and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), LH/FSH, free testosterone (fT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 17-OH progesterone, insulin, glucose, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, HOMA-IR, and A-FABP levels.

Results: The mean BMI, waist circumference, and levels of serum LH, fT, LH/FSH, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in PCOS patients (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed positive correlations of A-FABP levels with BMI and HOMA-IR levels and a negative correlation between A-FABP and fT levels. A ROC curve analysis found that BMI, waist circumference, and levels of fT, A-FABP, and HOMA-IR were discriminative parameters.

Conclusion: Serum A-FABP levels may be a good prognostic marker in predicting metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases in PCOS patients.