Insights into Immune-Metabolic Interactions of IL-22 in the Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine-metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. The present study aims to assess the role of interleukin-22 (IL-22) as a diagnostic marker in PCOS and its correlation with metabolic, inflammatory, and hormonal aspects. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was performed with 180 females (90 PCOS patients and 90 healthy women). Anthropometric indices, HOMA-IR, and hormonal profile (LH, FSH, LH/FSH ratio, total/free testosterone, estradiol, FAI, and SHBG) were also assessed, along with serum IL-22 levels measured by ELISA. It is determined by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis that IL-22 has a diagnostic value. Results: IL-22 levels were significantly elevated in PCOS patients (68.4 ± 15.7 pg/mL) compared to controls (42.3 ± 10.8 pg/mL, p < 0.001). IL-22 correlated positively with LH (r = 0.45), the LH/FSH ratio (r = 0.38), FAI (r = 0.41), and estradiol (r = 0.36), and inversely with SHBG (r = -0.39). The ROC analysis gave an AUC value of 0.87 with a 55 pg/mL cut-off, sensitivity of 82%, and specificity of 78%.

Conclusion: Serum IL-22 is a powerful diagnostic biomarker for PCOS, with strong associations with key disruptions in the hormone and metabolism system.