title: Leptin and body mass index in polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with obesity. Human and animal studies showed a direct relationship between leptin level and obesity, however, results from different studies were mixed. This study investigated the status of leptin level in PCOS and its relationship with body mass index (BMI) in a group of Iranian women with PCOS.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, 40 women with PCOS and 36 healthy women were assigned to experimental and control groups, respectively. Those in the PCOS group were not prescribed any medications for 3 months prior to the study. Fasting blood samples were then collected during the 2(nd) or 3(rd) day of menstruation for laboratory measurement of serum total leptin, blood glucose (fasting blood sugar), serum insulin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone (LH).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean BMI of the PCOS and control groups were 26.62 ± 4.03 kg/m(2) and 23.52 ± 2.52 kg/m(2), respectively (P = 0.006). The mean total leptin in the PCO group was also 10.69 ± 5.37 ng/mL and 5.73 ± 2.36 ng/mL in the control group (P = 0.0001). A significant relationship was found between leptin level and BMI as well as LH level among women with PCOS (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between leptin and insulin (P > 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study indicated an increased leptin level among women with PCOS that positively associated with BMI and LH.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
authors.forename: Nasrin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jalilian
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
authors.forename: Lida
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Haghnazari
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
authors.forename: Samira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rasolinia
keywords: Body mass index; insulin; leptin; polycystic ovary syndrome