title: The relationship between lipocalin-2 and free testosterone levels in polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lipocalin-2 is an adipokine that is mainly produced from adipocytes and macrophages. Data related to PCOS and other obesity-associated disorders have shown divergent results. Here, we studied lipocalin-2 concentrations in women with PCOS and in healthy women, and investigated the potential contributors underlying lipocalin association with PCOS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-four women with PCOS and 47 age- and BMI-matched healthy women were enrolled. Fasting serum glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and free testosterone levels were measured. The body fat percentage was measured by bioelectrical impedance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Lipocalin-2 concentrations were significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (55.74 ± 17.54 ng/mL vs. 36.46 ± 19.62 ng/mL, p = 0.011). There was a correlation between lipocalin-2 levels and free testosterone. In a multiple regression model, the body fat percentage, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP were not associated with lipocalin-2. However, only free testosterone was associated with lipocalin-2. A "lipocalin-2 = 11.214 + (1.943 × free-testosterone)" equation was obtained.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Serum lipocalin-2 levels were higher in women with PCOS, and only free testosterone was associated with lipocalin-2. Lipocalin-2 levels and their influencing factors have discrepant results in both PCOS and other obesity- or insulin resistance-related metabolic disorders. Thus, the potential role of lipocalin-2 in PCOS should be clarified. (Endokrynol Pol 2017; 68 (1): 7-12).
authors.affiliation: Manisa Merkezefendi Hospital. ozgur_md@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Özgür
authors.initials: Ö
authors.lastname: Yilmaz
authors.forename: Muzaffer
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Temur
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Calan
authors.forename: Tuncay
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kume
authors.forename: Pelin Özün
authors.initials: PÖ
authors.lastname: Özbay
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karakulak
authors.forename: Saadet
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yapucu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D000071068:Lipocalin-2 / Q000097:blood*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007328:Insulin; D000071068:Lipocalin-2; D013739:Testosterone; D002097:C-Reactive Protein
keywords: 1-PCOS; 2-  lipocalin-2; 3-  free testosterone