Levels of CD40L and other inflammatory biomarkers in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Problem: We investigated whether changes in sCD40L, hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-alpha levels are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Method of study: Case-control study involving 143 women with and 165 women without PCOS. Result(s): Reduced sCD40L, and increased hs-CRP and IL-6, but not TNF-alpha, levels were seen between cases and controls. ROC analysis demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for sCD40L and hs-CRP as PCOS predictors. Altered sCD40L levels were associated with PCOS, irrespective of body weight. Significant differences in IL-6 levels were seen between non-obese subjects and for TNF-alpha in obese subjects. sCD40L correlated negatively with age, insulin, HOMA-IR, LH, free testosterone, FAI, and hirsutism, but positively with SHBG. CRP correlated positively with BMI, insulin, HOMA-IR, free testosterone, and hirsutism. IL-6 correlated positively with hirsutism. TNF-alpha correlated positively with age, but negatively with insulin and HOMA-IR. Conclusion: CD40L, more than IL-6, or TNF-alpha, constitutes a predictor to explain PCOS and associated features.