Evaluation of Serum Betatrophin Levels in Normal-Weight and Overweight Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess serum betatrophin levels in normal-weight and overweight adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome and examine associations with anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic parameters, including insulin resistance. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 90 adolescent females (16-23 years); overweight polycystic ovary syndrome (n=30), normal-weight polycystic ovary syndrome (n=30), and age-matched healthy controls (n=30). Anthropometric measurements, hormonal profiles, fasting glucose and insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, inflammatory markers, lipid parameters, and serum betatrophin concentrations were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of elevated betatrophin. Associations between betatrophin levels and polycystic ovary syndrome status, adiposity, insulin resistance, and metabolic parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Serum betatrophin levels differed significantly among groups (p=0.010) and were higher in overweight polycystic ovary syndrome compared with controls (p=0.002). Betatrophin positively correlated with body mass index (r=0.267, p=0.009), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r=0.463, p<0.001), and estradiol (r=0.378, p=0.001). Multivariable regression identified overweight status as an independent predictor of elevated betatrophin (OR=6.71, 95% CI: 1.23-36.50, p=0.028), whereas insulin resistance showed an inverse association (OR=0.09, 95% CI: 0.02-0.50, p=0.006). Polycystic ovary syndrome status and C-reactive protein were not independently associated. CONCLUSION: Betatrophin levels are elevated in overweight adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome and correlate with adiposity and insulin resistance, suggesting its potential as a marker of early metabolic dysfunction.