Work

Leptin, adiponectin levels and their ratios in women with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Background Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS]) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder. The global burden of PMOS shows an overall increasing trend. Recent studies have revealed significant alterations in serum leptin and adiponectin levels in patients with PMOS. However, the results are inconsistent. Objective To compare the serum leptin and adiponectin levels, as well as the adiponectin-to-leptin (A/L) ratio, between women with PMOS (diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria) and healthy controls aged 18–49 years and to provide evidence for future screening strategies and the investigation of the pathogenesis of PMOS. Methods A comprehensive search of “PubMed,” “Web of Science,” “Embase,” and “Cochrane Library” was conducted from January 1, 2015, to March 31, 2026. The authors independently reviewed all relevant clinical trials via systematic evaluation of abstracts and titles. Results A total of 62 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooling analysis of all relevant studies revealed that adult women with PMOS had higher serum leptin levels (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59 to 1.07; p < 0.0001) and lower adiponectin levels (SMD: −1.06; 95% CI: −1.47 to −0.66; p < 0.0001) than women without PMOS. Heterogeneity across studies was considerable and not eliminated in subgroup analyses. The A/L ratio was statistically significantly lower in PMOS (SMD: −2.31; 95% CI: −4.02 to −0.55; p = 0.010). Conclusion Women with PMOS aged 18–49 exhibit higher leptin levels, lower adiponectin levels and a lower A/L ratio. Further well-designed adequately powered prospective studies are needed to clarify the association between these markers and PMOS, including assessments of their sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cutoff values for predicting PMOS risk. Systematic review registration The protocol was registered on https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420261364408 (CRD420261364408).

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2026.1912483

Authors: Xiaomeng Shi, Wenting Zhang

Institutions: Chongqing Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Municipal Health Commission, Chongqing Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Ovarian function and disorders

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801