The association between serum zinc levels and insulin resistance among polycystic ovary syndrome patients in Duhok City, Kurdistan region, Iraq

Abstract EN

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a relatively common endocrine and metabolic problem.

Patients with PCOS are known to have a higher incidence of insulin resistance.

The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) is an indirect, rapid, accurate, and cost‑effective method of assessing insulin resistance based on patient’s fasting plasma insulin and glucose concentrations.

Several studies have reported a significant correlation between HOMA and the traditional hyperinsulinemic‑euglycemic clamp method.

Zinc deficiency promotes insulin resistance, and that zinc supplementation can prevent or, at least, alleviate insulin resistance in selected patient populations.

Objective : The current study primarily aims at defining the association between insulin resistance and zinc deficiency among both PCOS and selected controls.

It also looks at certain risk factors associated with obesity among the study population in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

Materials and Methods : The current case–control study was performed at Azadi Teaching Hospital/Gynecological Outpatient Clinic in Duhok City / Kurdistan Region/Iraq.

The study included 80 women (40 cases with PCOS and 40 controls of healthy women).

Results : There was no age difference between both groups (Mean = 26.77 years, standard deviation [SD] = 6.42 years for PCOS cases versus mean and SD of 27.57 years and 6.45 years, respectively; P = 0.48).

Likewise, there was no difference in the serum zinc levels between cases and controls.

However, patients with PCOS had significantly higher Body mass index and HOMA scores compared to the controls (P = 0.005 and 0.007, respectively).

Conclusion : Higher serum zinc levels are independently associated with lower HOMA.

Patients with PCOS had significantly higher insulin resistance when compared to the controls of similar age and zinc level.