Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Role of Adiponectin to Leptin Ratio in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Objective: PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, a multifaceted disorder marked by disruptions in endocrine and metabolic processes, influences reproductive age women. The most commonly used criteria for diagnosing this condition are the Rotterdam 2003 and the National Institutes of Health Consensus 1990 guidelines. Recent studies are currently focusing on novel biomarkers, such as adiponectin and leptin to gain deeper insights on the intricate pathophysiology of PCOS. Therefore, this review aimed to consolidate the importance of the A:L (adiponectin to leptin) ratio as a potential and promising biomarker for PCOS. Materials and Methods: The method followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Furthermore, MEDLINE, Proquest, and EBSCOhost databases were used to obtain eligible studies published up to February 2023. This study was registered in PROSPERO on April 2, 2023 with registration number CRD42023411754. ESHRE/ASRM or Rotterdam Guideline was used as the diagnosis criteria for women with PCOS. To examine the studies' heterogeneity, the I2 statistic and Cochran's Q test were utilized. Meanwhile, the evaluation on publication bias visually employed a funnel plot and was confirmed through Egger's test and rank correlation test. Data analysis was conducted with JASP 0.17.1, and statistical significance was characterized as a p-value below 0.05. Results: In the systematic review, a total of nine studies were incorporated, and seven studies were used in the subsequent meta-analysis. Each paper showcased a reduced A:L ratio in women with PCOS, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) among PCOS and control groups of 0.49 (CI: 0.37 - 0.61). The residual heterogeneity test yielded a p-value of 0.069, and no publication bias indication both pre and post intervention (p=0.002). Conclusion: Referring to the findings, the A:L ratio was notably lower in PCOS patients. Consequently, the A:L ratio holds promise as a novel and potential biomarker for PCOS.