Background: Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) typically affects women aged 15 to 50. According to recent studies, immune cells and hormonal imbalances have a role in the pathogenesis of PMOS. The causes and effects of chronic inflammation, particularly in women with PMOS, have been the focus of research.
Objectives: To better understand the immunological profile of PMOS patients through investigating the role of IL-19 blood levels as a biomarker or inflammatory mediator and examining its possible involvement in the pathophysiology of the syndrome.
Cases and Methods: This is a case-control study conducted between December 2024 and March 2025. Sixty women with PMOS were diagnosed at Kamal Al-Samarrai Specialized Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. 30 healthy women attending private laboratories were used as a control group, matched for age (18-36) to the cases. The blood samples were centrifuged and allowed to clot at room temperature. The serum was then obtained using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (ELISA) for use in the human IL-19 detection method.
Results: The mean age was 26.0±4.90 years for the patients and 25.3±4.45 years for the controls. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of the control group was 21.9±2.01 kg/m² compared to 28.9±3.62 kg/m² for the patients in PMOS women; the mean serum IL-19 was 113.2±61.56 pg/ml, significantly higher than that of the control group (6.2±4.28 pg/ml).
Conclusion: The inflammatory environment of PMOS seems to be significantly influenced by interleukin-19. The higher blood IL-19 levels in the PMOS cases suggest that it may have a role in the pathophysiology of the syndrome, potentially connected to follicular dysfunction and insulin resistance. IL-19 may be a potential biomarker for tracking the persistent low-grade inflammation linked to PMOS, providing fresh perspectives on tailored diagnostic and treatment approaches.