Research Article

Association of Metabolic and Inflammatory Biomarkers with Endometrial Cancer in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic and endocrine disease marked by insulin resistance, obesity, hormonal disturbance and low-grade chronic inflammation. These changes can lead to an increased risk of endometrial abnormalities, including endometrial cancer. Objective: To evaluate hormonal, metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in women with PCOS and women with endometrial cancer and a history of PCOS, paying particular attention to serum CA125, AMH, FBS, fasting insulin, HOMA IR and IL-6. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 women equally divided into 3 groups: women with endometrial cancer and PCOS history (n=30), women with PCOS (n=30), and healthy controls (n=30). Serum levels of CA125, AMH, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and IL-6 were measured and compared between study groups. Results: For all the investigated biomarkers, significant differences between the three groups were observed (p<0.001). Women with endometrial cancer and a history of PCOS had the highest mean levels of CA125, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and IL-6. AMH levels were highest in women with PCOS. The fasting blood glucose was significantly higher in both clinical groups than in healthy controls, with no significant difference between the endometrial cancer + PCOS and PCOS groups. BMI was positively correlated with HOMA-IR (r=0.645, p<0.001), and serum IL-6 was positively correlated with CA125 (r=0.699, p<0.001). Conclusion: Women with endometrial cancer and a previous history of PCOS had higher CA125, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and IL-6 levels. AMH was highest in women with PCOS. The findings suggest a link between metabolic dysfunction, systemic inflammation and PCOS-associated endometrial cancer.

Authors affiliation:

Aesha S. Baban (ORCID): Cancer Researches Department, Iraqi Center for Cancer and Medical Genetic Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq. 
Rusul Thabit Hamid (ORCID): Cancer Researches Department, Iraqi Center for Cancer and Medical Genetic Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq.
Deniz Rasheed Mandan: Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Al-Dowaly Private Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq.
Doaa Haqi Ismael (ORCID): Cancer Researches Department, Iraqi Center for Cancer and Medical Genetic Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq. 

How To Cite: A. S. Baban, R. T. Hamid, D. R. Mandan, D. H. Ismael. Association of Metabolic and Inflammatory Biomarkers with Endometrial Cancer in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Healthcare Studies, 4(2):32–37, 2026. https://doi.org/10.58612/hs425