Investigation of galectin-3, lipocalin 2, retinol binding protein (RBP), small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) in patients with hirsutism

Introduction
Hirsutism is defined as excessive terminal hair in androgen-dependent areas in women. Adipose tissue is no longer regarded as a storage site for triglycerides or as a source of free fatty acids but is currently emerging as a key constituent of energy metabolism secreting numerous enzymes, cytokines, growth factors, and hormones.

Aim
To evaluate serum levels of galectin-3 (Gal3), lipocalin-2 (LCN2), retinol binding protein (RBP), and small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) in patients with hirsutism and patients co-presenting with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hirsutism.

Material and methods
The study included 90 patients that were divided into three groups: (I) patients with idiopathic hirsutism (IH) (n = 30), (II) PCOS patients with hirsutism (H-PCOS) (n = 30), and (III) the control group (n = 30). Informed consent was obtained from each participant. Idiopathic hirsutism was scored using the modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) scoring system and the diagnosis of PCOS was established based on the modified Rotterdam criteria. Human Gal3, LCN2, RBP, and sdLDL levels were analysed using a commercially available double-antigen sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
No significant difference was found between the three groups with regard to serum Gal3, LCN2, RBP, and sdLDL levels (p > 0.05). Median values were higher in the H-PCOS group than in the other two groups: body weight (median: 76.5 kg) (p < 0.001), waist circumference (median: 82.5 cm) (p = 0.001).

Conclusions
No significant correlation was found between the adipokines that play a role in the aetiology of numerous diseases and some mediators of the lipid metabolism and hirsutism.