Association of serum ferritin and insulin resistance in PCOD patients

Abstract

Background:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with insulin
resistance and metabolic abnormalities. Emerging evidence suggests that altered iron metabolism,
reflected by elevated serum ferritin levels, may contribute to insulin resistance and related
complications in PCOS.
Objective: To evaluate serum ferritin levels and insulin resistance in women with PCOS and compare them
with age- and BMI-matched healthy controls.
Materials and Methods
This hospital-based case–control study was conducted at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New
Delhi, over a period of two years (February 2021 to September 2022). A total of 60 subjects were
included, comprising 30 diagnosed cases of PCOS (based on Rotterdam criteria) and 30 healthy
controls matched for age and BMI. Fasting venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for
serum ferritin, insulin, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and serum iron using standard biochemical
methods. Insulin resistance was assessed using the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin
Resistance (HOMA-IR). Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test, Chi-square test,
and Pearson correlation, with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results
The mean serum insulin and HOMA-IR levels were significantly higher in PCOS cases compared
to controls (p<0.00001). Serum ferritin levels were also significantly elevated in PCOS subjects
(81.50±63.98 ng/mL) compared to controls (50.83±39.92 ng/mL) (p=0.029). Fasting blood
glucose and HbA1c levels were significantly higher in cases (p<0.001). A positive correlation was
observed between serum ferritin and insulin resistance, fasting blood glucose, and insulin levels,
while a negative correlation was noted with HbA1c.
Conclusion
Elevated serum ferritin is associated with insulin resistance in PCOS, suggesting its role as a
potential biomarker for metabolic risk assessment