INVESTİGATİON OF THE RELATİONSHİP BETWEEN SERUM RETİNOL-BİNDİNG PROTEİN 4 LEVELS AND INSULİN RESİSTANCE, HOMOCYSTEİNE, AND CRP LEVELS İN PATİENTS WİTH POLYCYSTİC OVARY SYNDROME

Authors : Erkan Sağlam, Cavidan Gülerman

Pages : 479-483

Doi:10.38136/jgon.1679475

View : 44 | Download : 69

Publication Date : 2026-01-03

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :AİM: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in reproductive-age women, characterized by anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and menstrual irregularities. Its prevalence is approximately 6–8%, and insulin resistance is observed in 30–70% of affected individuals. Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), a newly identified adipokine and specific carrier of vitamin A, has been shown to increase in insulin-resistant states. This study aimed to investigate serum RBP4 levels in women with PCOS and evaluate their association with metabolic parameters. METHODS: The study included 45 patients with PCOS and 45 healthy controls from Dr. Zekai Tahir Burak Training and Research Hospital. Fasting blood samples were collected and stored at -80°C. RBP4 levels were measured using the ELISA method. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 11.5. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in serum RBP4 levels was found between the two groups. However, HOMA-IR, androstenedione, total testosterone levels, LH/FSH ratio, and Ferriman-Gallwey Hirsutism Score were significantly higher in the PCOS group. HDL cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the PCOS group. CONCLUSİON: Our data suggest that RBP4 is not significantly associated with metabolic parameters such as insulin resistance and lipid profile in patients with PCOS. Therefore, the utility of RBP4 as an independent biomarker in the metabolic risk assessment of PCOS is limited. Further studies with larger sample sizes and prospective designs are needed.
Keywords : Polikistik Over Sendromu (PCOS), Retinol-bağlayıcı protein 4 (RBP4), Insulin Direnci

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