Serum Levels of Angiopoietin-Like Protein 6 (ANGPTL6) in Iranian Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Infertility and miscarriage are common complications in women with PCOS, and may be linked with metabolic status and thyroid function. However, the role of ANGPTL6 in PCOS-related infertility and miscarriage remains underexplored. Study assessed serum ANGPTL6 levels in Iranian PCOS patients and its association with miscarriage, infertility, and thyroid dysfunction.

METHODS

This case-control study included 116 PCOS women (58 with infertility, 58 with a history of miscarriage) and 58 non-PCOS controls. The measurement of ANGPTL6, adiponectin, fasting insulin, and other hormonal parameters were measured using ELISA. Parametric data were analyzed with t-tests and ANOVA, and non-parametric data with Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Correlations were assessed using Pearson and Spearman tests. Logistic regression was used predicted PCOS risk. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

ANGPTL6 levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group (48.72±21.41 ) and the PCOS-miscarriage subgroup (50.16±19.57 ) compared to the non-PCOS group (41.56±14.74 ). T4 levels were significantly lower in the PCOS group (2.5±1.9 ) compared to controls (3.9±4.6 , p<0.001). No significant correlation was found between ANGPTL6 and thyroid function tests. A positive correlation was observed between ANGPTL6 and adiponectin in the PCOS group (p<0.01). Logistic regression showed a significant association between ANGPTL6 and the risk of PCOS (OR: 1.02, 95%CI: 1.002-1.038), even after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).

CONCLUSION

Elevated ANGPTL6 levels were correlated with PCOS. Future research is needed to explore the molecular pathways linking ANGPTL6 to PCOS and its interaction with metabolic biomarkers.