Dissociation of plasma oxyntomodulin levels from anthropometric measures and metabolic markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Introduction: Oxyntomodulin (OXM) is a polypeptide hormone of the incretin family, which binds to the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor, contributing to a reduction in caloric intake, an increase in energy expenditure, and weight loss in obese individuals. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial condition characterized by reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions, with a high prevalence among overweight and obese women. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between clinical, anthropometric, endocrine, and metabolic variables and plasma OXM levels in women diagnosed with PCOS.

Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study included 20 women recently diagnosed with PCOS. Participants underwent screening that assessed body measurements, as well as serum/plasma lipids, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, irisin, and total testosterone levels. Plasma OXM concentrations were measured in duplicate using a commercial ELISA kit.

Results: OXM levels were positively correlated with age (r = 0.493, p = 0.027); however, they showed no significant correlation with body mass index, waist circumference, lipid accumulation product index, visceral adiposity index, or hormones such as insulin, irisin, and testosterone. Furthermore, plasma OXM levels remained unchanged in a subgroup of patients treated with metformin for 60 days.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that plasma OXM levels may not reflect body composition or insulin resistance in women with PCOS.