Evaluation of the Relationship Between Insulin Resistance and Selenoprotein P in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequently seen disorder in women of childbearing age, and is characterized by insulin resistance (IR). Selenoprotein P (SeP) is a hepatokine associated with IR. The aim of the present study was to determine SeP levels in PCOS and to investigate its relationship to IR.Methods: A total of 27 patients and 27 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical parameters were evaluated. IR and free androgen index were calculated. Analysis of the correlation of biochemical and anthropometric parameters with SeP was performed. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) between patients and controls (both p<0.05), while the SeP level was similar (1.05±0.7ng/mL, 1.61±1.9ng/mL, respectively; p=0.7). There was no correlation between SeP and HOMA-IR in either group. There was a negative correlation between SeP and waist circumference (WC) in the PCOS group (p=0.03; r=-0.485), but not in the control group. In the control group, there was a negative correlation between SeP and BMI and fat percentage (r=-0.506, p=0.007; r=-0.643, p=0.024, respectively), but not in the PCOS group. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between testosterone and SeP in the patients (r=0.456; p=0.017). Conclusion: The SeP level was similar in patients and controls, and there was no correlation between SeP and IR in the PCOS group. However, the correlation of SeP with WC and testosterone in PCOS suggests a possible metabolic relationship