Common inflammatory markers in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a BMI-matched case–control study.

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder associated with low-grade inflammation.  Aim: To compare inflammatory markers between women with PCOS and age- and BMI-matched controls and assess their metabolic associations.  Materials and Methods: This hospital-based case–control study included 250 women aged 18–40 years: 125 with PCOS and 125 age- and BMI-matched controls. PCOS was diagnosed after excluding alternative causes. Anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters were assessed. Markers included hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, ESR, and NLR. Insulin resistance was assessed using HOMA-IR.  Results: Age and BMI were comparable between groups (25.8 ± 4.1 vs. 25.6 ± 4.0 years, p=0.697; 27.4 ± 3.2 vs. 27.3 ± 3.1 kg/m², p=0.802). Waist circumference, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR were higher in PCOS (all p<0.001). hs-CRP (3.42 ± 1.86 vs. 1.88 ± 1.21 mg/L), IL-6 (4.21 ± 1.62 vs. 2.89 ± 1.11 pg/mL), TNF-α (7.14 ± 2.26 vs. 5.61 ± 1.84 pg/mL), ESR (24.8 ± 10.6 vs. 18.1 ± 8.7 mm/h) and NLR (2.48 ± 0.91 vs. 2.05 ± 0.72) were higher in PCOS (all p<0.001). hs-CRP correlated positively with waist circumference, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, and testosterone, and negatively with HDL-C.  Conclusion: Women with PCOS had higher inflammatory markers despite comparable BMI, suggesting links between metabolic dysfunction, central adiposity and inflammation.  Recommendation: Prospective multicentre studies using standardized assays and longitudinal assessment are recommended.