Clinical Utility of Serum Homocysteine for Predicting Insulin Resistance in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

This study evaluated insulin resistance (IR) and its correlation with serum metabolic and biochemical parameters in 50 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to 40 healthy subjects. Results showed that women with PCOS had significantly higher body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin levels, and IR indices than controls, with no difference in fasting glucose levels. Serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels were also significantly higher in PCOS patients. While Hcy levels did not differ significantly between obese and normal-weight PCOS women, fasting insulin concentrations and IR indices were higher in obese PCOS patients. The study concludes that hyperhomocysteinemia, hyperinsulinemia, and higher BMI are critical predictors of PCOS, with BMI and IR being independent risk factors for increased plasma Hcy levels in PCOS women.