Lower Levels of Serum Adiponectin and the T Allele of rs1501299 of the ADIPOQ Gene Are Protective against Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Jordan

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder. Obesity, which is linked with lower adiponectin levels, increases a woman's risk of developing PCOS; however, the association between adiponectin and PCOS is controversial. Adiponectin levels could be affected by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ADIPOQ gene. This study aimed to test the relationship between serum adiponectin and PCOS in Jordan and the association between the rs2241766, rs1501299, and rs266729 SNPs in the ADIPOQ gene and PCOS. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four women with PCOS and 149 age- and body mass index–matched normally menstruating controls were recruited. Serum adiponectin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. RESULTS: Serum adiponectin levels were significantly lower (P=0.0064) in PCOS women and rs1501299 (+276 G/T) genotype distributions were significantly different (P=0.01) between them and normally menstruating women. Multivariate analysis revealed that adiponectin levels remained significantly lower in PCOS women (P=0.001; odds ratio [OR], 0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84–0.96). The GT genotype of rs1501299 increased the risk of PCOS (P<0.001; OR, 5.46; 95% CI, 2.42–12.33) and increased the risk of PCOS by three-fold (P<0.001; OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.36–6.60) relative to the TT genotype. The GG genotype increased the risk of PCOS as well (P<0.001; OR, 3:00; 95% CI, 1.36–6.60). CONCLUSION: PCOS is associated with lower serum adiponectin levels independent of age and body mass index. The T allele of the rs1501299 (+276 G/T) SNP of the ADIPOQ gene protects against PCOS.