Retinol-binding protein 4, as a negative acute-phase reactant in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Aim. The aim of our study was to compare serum levels of RBP4 in women with PCOS to the control group and to understand the relationship among RBP4 and biochemical and hormonal parameters related to disease process, especially gonadal steroids and markers of inflammation., Methods. Twenty-eight women with PCOS (18 normal weight and 10 obese) and 27 normally menstruating healthy women (20 normal weight and 7 obese) were included. Results. Women with PCOS had higher RBP4 concentrations. RBP4 levels correlated negatively with LDL, hsCRP and LH in women with PCOS and positively with BMI in the control group. When obese PCOS were compared to normal weight PCOS, increased CRP levels correlated negatively with RBP4 only in the normal weight PCOS group (normal PCOS r=-0.465, P=0.042; obese PCOS r=-0.505, P=0.137). Regression analysis of the effects of CRP and BMI on RBP4 levels revealed a statistically significant relationship between CRP and RBP4 independent of BMI. Conclusion. Serum RBP4 levels increased in women with PCOS and correlated negatively with CRP, LH and LDL. RBP4 probably acts as a negative acute phase reactant in normal weight PCOS. It cannot be used as a marker of chronic low grade inflammation in women with PCOS.