Some biological markers associated with risk factors in Iraqi women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Authors

  • Hiba Muwafaq Saleem University Of Anbar
  • Hussein Riyadh Abdul Kareem Al-Hetty University Of Anbar
  • Reem K. Ibrahim University Of Anbar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36320/ajb/v18.i1.22519

Keywords:

Adepokine

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the clinical, hormonal and lifestyle risk factors in Iraqi women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: From January to May 2025, 85 PCOS patients (aged 18-45) who attended the Al-Ramadi Obstetrician-Gynecologist Hospital participated in this study, and 50 healthy controls were recruited. Women with PCOS were diagnosed based on Rotterdam criteria,. Clinical assessments included anthropometric features , hyperandrogenism signs, menstrual history and lifestyle factors and HOMA-IR were measurements . Hormonal investigations included Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Follisatin,Vaspin and ghrelin levels .

Results: PCOS was significantly associated with higher BMI, HOMA-IR, physical inactivity, frequent consumption of junk food, sleep deprivation, and an increased LH/FSH ratio. Hirsutism, acne, and menstrual irregularities were more prevalent in the PCOS group. Hormonal results showed an increase of Follisatin and Vaspin levels in PCOS patients compared to the control group, with evident decrease observed in ghrelin levels in PCOS patients compared to the control group.

Conclusion: PCOS is strongly associated with modifiable lifestyle and metabolic risk factors.  Follisatin, Vaspin, and Ghrelin disorders have been closely linked with HOMA-IR in women with PCOS. Early screening, education, and targeted interventions are critical for avoiding long-term reproductive complications.

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Author Biographies

  • Hiba Muwafaq Saleem, University Of Anbar

    Department of Biology , College of Science , University Of Anbar , Ramadi , Iraq

  • Hussein Riyadh Abdul Kareem Al-Hetty , University Of Anbar

    Department of Biology, College Of Education For Pure Sciences, University Of Anbar, Ramadi 31001,Anbar, Iraq

     

  • Reem K. Ibrahim , University Of Anbar

    Department of Biology , College of Science , University Of Anbar , Ramadi , Iraq

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Published

2026-04-01

How to Cite

Saleem, H. M., Al-Hetty , H. R. A. K. ., & Ibrahim , R. K. . (2026). Some biological markers associated with risk factors in Iraqi women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Al-Kufa University Journal for Biology, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.36320/ajb/v18.i1.22519

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