The relationship between leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, HOMOCYSTEINE, insulin resistance and other biochemical factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is controversial. We review how the expanded role of these factors in reproduction might impact our understanding of PCOS. For purposes of our review, we accessed the PUBMED database during the past 10 years. Our review confirms that these factors can have etiopathogenetic importance in some enigmatic reproductive disturbances such as PCOS. Moreover understanding the role of these biochemical factors might be useful for new treatments in PCOS.

Background: The aim of study was to assess serum HOMOCYSTEINE and its relation with serum folate, vit B12 and lipid profiles in gestational diabetes mellitus and comparison with normal pregnant women as well as effect of different doses of folic acid on HOMOCYSTEINE (Hcy) and pregnancy outcome.Methods: In a biphasic study first prospective controlled study 80 pregnant women were chosen at 24-28 weeks of gestation. In case group pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and control group who had normal Oral Glucose Tolerance test (GTT) results. Levels of fasting glucose, HOMOCYSTEINE, vit B12, and folic acid, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, were measured. In phase II study a randomized clinical trial was done with diabetic women 15 with 1mg folic acid and 15 with 5 mg folic acid for six weeks and then above variables and pregnancy outcome was evaluated.Results: The mean levels of HOMOCYSTEINE in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) group were significantly higher but folic acid and vit B12 were significantly lower. Hcy levels were decreased in both groups after six weeks folic acid but decrease in Hcy for group 5mg was significantly more than 1mg group.Conclusion: HOMOCYSTEINE levels were higher in GDM than normal pregnancy. High dose folic acid can reduce Hcy levels more than low dose and it may be a safe, simple, inexpensive intervention that prevents major pregnancy complications

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease among women in fertility ages and cause severe insulin resistance. Hyperhomocysteinaemia is said to be among the features of PCOS that could influence its outcome.Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether hyperhomocysteinaemia exists in PCOS and if it is related to insulin resistance in the affected patients.Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out in a university based fertility clinic. Sixty four PCOS patients and 50 normo ovulatory controls were reviewed for fasting glucose, insulin, HOMOCYSTEINE, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plasma levels in the blood sample of the 3rd day of their menstrual cycle. Insulin resistance was determined with the fasting glucose (mmol/L) to insulin (mIU/L) ratio and HOMA-IR (Homeostasis model assessment-Insulin resistance). Independent-samples T-test and linear regression test were utilized to analyze the obtained data.Results: HOMOCYSTEINE levels compared between PCOS patients and control group showed a significant difference. PCOS group was divided into insulin resistant (IR) (LogHOMA-IR³0.57) and non insulin resistant (NIR) patients. The IR group had significantly higher HOMOCYSTEINE (p-value=0.02), fasting insulin and glucose levels (p-value<0.001) rather than NIR group.Conclusion: PCOS patients have a leaning toward hyperhomocysteinaemia and insulin resistance. Insulin resistant patients are found to have higher HOMOCYSTEINE level.

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease among women in fertility ages and cause severe insulin resistance.Hyperhomocysteinaemia is said to be among the features of PCOS that could influence its outcome. This study aimed to investigate whether hyperhomocysteinaemia exists in PCOS and if it is related to insulin resistance in the affected patients.Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out in a university based fertility clinic. Sixty four PCOS patients and 50 normoovulatory controls were reviewed for fasting glucose, insulin, HOMOCYSTEINE, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plasma levels in the blood sample of the 3rd day of their menstrual cycle. Insulin resistance was determined with the fasting glucose (mmol/L) to insulin (mIU/L) ratio and HOMA-IR.Independent-samples T test and linear regression test were utilized to analyze the obtained data.Results: HOMOCYSTEINE levels compared between PCOS patients and control group showed a significant difference. PCOS group was divided into insulin resistant (IR) (LogHOMA-IR≥0.57) and non-insulin resistant (NIR) patients. The IR group had significantly higher HOMOCYSTEINE (p value=0.02), fasting insulin and glucose levels (p-value<0.001) rather than NIR group.Conclusion: PCOS patients have a leaning toward hyperhomocysteinaemia regardless of insulin resistance. Regarding resistance indices, insulin resistance is also common in them. There is an association found between insulin resistance and hyperhomocysteinaemia in PCOS patients.