ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to determine serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor [sTfR] concentrations in poiycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] women and to clarify their relationship to insulin resistance and metabolic features of PCOS. This cross-sectional study consisted of 20 obese patients with PCOS, 15 obese, normally menstruating, age and BMI matched women, and 10 healthy, age matched, lean women as control groups. Serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, participants were subjected to hormonal assays, lipid profile, fasting glucose, iron, total iron binding capacity and serum insulin levels as well as transvaginal ultrasonography. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], Free Androgen Index [FAI], Body mass index [BMI] and Waist to hip ratio [WHR] were also calculated for each participant. Serum ferritin level was significantly higher in obese PCOS patients compared to both obese and lean control subjects Also, serum ferritin level was significantly higher in obese compared to lean control subjects. On the other hand, serum sTfR level was significantly lower in obese PCOS patients compared to both obese and lean subjects. While, no significant difference was observed between obese and lean subjects as regard sTfR level, the fasting insulin level and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in obese PCOS patients compared to both obese and lean control subjects. In addition, obese subjects had significantly higher fasting insulin level and HOMA-IR compared to lean control subjects. Serum ferritin levels showed a significant inverse correlation with soluble transferrin receptor level in all of the studied groups. Obese PCOS women have lower soluble transferrin receptor levels compared to obese and normal controls. sTfR is highly correlated with ferritin. Furthermore, sTfR could serve as a sensitive marker for iron overload in obese, PCOS patients, or metabolic syndrome