Increased circulating levels of novel anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-27 and IL-38 are associated with immunoendrocrine dysregulation and altered redox stress in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic/ endocrine disorder seen predominantly in women in their reproductive age, which increases the risk of infertility, endometrial cancer and metabolic disorders. IL-27 and IL-38 are recently discovered, novel anti-inflammatory cytokines whose role in immune-endocrine dysfunction seen in PCOS is largely unknown.

Methods: In the present study, we quantified these two cytokines along with markers for meta-inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-1Ra, IL-10 and TGF-β) and hormonal dysregulation (insulin, leptin, adiponectin, FGF-21, testosterone and DHEA-S) in the serum of PCOS women (n=44), along with age matched controls (n=20), by ELISA.