Monday, 13 October 2025

The Role of Leptin in Pathology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | Chapter 5 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 6

 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder with significant impacts on women’s health. This intricate condition affects the endocrine and metabolic systems, characterised by features such as anovulation, infertility, obesity, insulin resistance, and the presence of polycystic ovaries. The aim of this review is to investigate the diagnostic potential of leptin in PCOS. The objective is to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by examining the relationship between leptin, the leptin receptor gene, obesity, and the various metabolic and hormonal irregularities associated with PCOS. In this regard, a comprehensive review of the literature from the past decade was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. The search strategy was aimed at gathering relevant studies on the relationship between leptin and PCOS, including genetic aspects. All the reviewed studies unanimously confirm the diagnostic potential of leptin in PCOS, emphasising its relevance in metabolic disorders associated with PCOS. Leptin is a fat cell-derived hormone that promotes a shift from carbohydrate to fat oxidation and regulates glucose homeostasis. Leptin, classified within the “tumour necrosis factor” family as a cell factor, is an amino peptide consisting of 167 amino acids. Leptin plays a crucial role in relaying metabolic signals to the brain and modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. PCOS involves hyperandrogenism, inappropriate luteinizing hormone secretion, insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia. The relationship between leptin and key factors in PCOS, such as gonadotropins, androgens, and insulin, remains a subject of ongoing research and discussions. The evidence gathered highlights elevated leptin levels, particularly in obesity, as a consistent characteristic of PCOS. The positive correlation between leptin and fat cell quantity underscores its potential role in PCOS pathogenesis. Leptin extends its impact beyond weight regulation, influencing oocyte maturation and activating ovarian enzymes involved in steroid production. Genetic studies on Leptin Receptor Gene (LEPR) polymorphisms indicate associations between specific genetic variants and PCOS susceptibility. Combining leptin with markers like Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) shows high diagnostic accuracy, offering potential utility in clinical assessments. The multifaceted impact of leptin on both reproductive and metabolic aspects is evident. The findings support the integration of leptin with other markers for enhanced diagnostic accuracy, providing a promising avenue for future clinical applications in PCOS assessments.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Sushitha ES
Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, India.

 

Prajna P Shetty
Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, India.

 

Sasikala Kathiresan
AIIMS-Madurai, India.

 

Sauvit S Patil
Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, Affiliated to University of Mumbai, Mumbai, India.

 

Deepa M
AIIMS-Madurai, India.

 

Emil Phinehas
AIIMS-Madurai, India.

 

Bhavit Bansal
Sant Hirdaram Medical College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences for Women, India.

 

Delna NS
EMS Memorial Co-operative Hospital and Research Centre- College of Paramedical Sciences, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v6/6253

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