Resistin stimulation of 17alpha-hydroxylase activity in ovarian theca cells in vitro: relevance to polycystic ovary syndrome.

Context: A newly discovered hormone resistin has been shown to be increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Objective: The purpose of this study was to confirm increased resistin concentrations in women with PCOS and to test the direct effect of resistin on human theca cell androgen production.

Design: Resistin was measured in fasting serum samples by RIA.