Kallistatin Levels in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Novel Biomarker for Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Dysregulation: A Case-Control Study

Rehab Refaat  Raheem; Hanan Jassim  Hammod

doi:10.18502/acta.v64i4.21986

Rehab Refaat Raheem Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Kufa, Al_Furat Al_Awsat Technical University, 31003 Al-Kufa, Iraq
Hanan Jassim Hammod Pharmacy College, Al-Zahrawi University, Karbala, Iraq

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/acta.v64i4.21986

Keywords: Kallistatin level; Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); IR; Lipids profile

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Characterized by a heterogeneous constellation of hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive abnormalities, PCOS manifests through three cardinal features: oligo‑ or anovulation, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology. This disorder is associated with major metabolic consequences, such as an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of kallistatin as a biomarker for PCOS, focusing on its association with insulin resistance (IR) and its regulatory function in inflammation. In this study, 30 healthy controls were matched with 60 patients with PCOS based on BMI, height, weight, and age. The study was carried out in the Fertility Center, Department of Gynecology, at Al‑Zahraa Teaching Hospital and Al‑Sadr Medical City from January 10, 2024, to January 24, 2025. Kallistatin levels were measured using ELISA, and insulin resistance was determined using the HOMA‑IR index. The study compared metabolic and hormonal parameters between 60 PCOS patients and 30 healthy controls. Significant differences (P<0.001) were observed: PCOS patients exhibited elevated insulin levels (14.91±3.01 vs. 8.22±2.47) and HOMA‑IR (3.77±1.01 vs. 1.74±0.52), along with reduced kallistatin levels (2.34±0.76 vs. 5.59±1.58 ng/ml). A notable correlation was found between kallistatin levels and both insulin resistance and lipid profiles. This study provides compelling evidence for the potential role of kallistatin as a biomarker for PCOS. The findings revealed significantly lower kallistatin levels in PCOS patients than in healthy controls, suggesting its potential utility in the diagnosis and prognosis of the condition.