Barnabás Bánfi

Mr. Barnabás Bánfi


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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13 November 2025 in Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
VVVera Varhegyi
Vera Varhegyi
BBBarnabás Bánfi
Barnabás Bánfi
DTDomonkos Träger
Domonkos Träger
DGDóra Gerszi
Dóra Gerszi
Eszter Mária HorváthEszter Mária Horváth
Eszter Mária Horváth
AGAniko Gal
Aniko Gal
Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to female reproductive endocrine disorders and is frequently associated with multisystem symptoms. Insulin resistance (IR) is a common metabolic disorder strongly linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) also impairs fertility. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions and the stress-responsive cytokine growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) have recently emerged as complementary biomarkers of mitochondrial impairment. In this retrospective observational study, we examined reproductive hormones, plasma GDF-15, mtDNA deletions, and clinical symptoms in insulin-resistant women, including those with PCOS or POI. Eighty-one patients were divided into three subgroups: IR-only (n = 49), IR-PCOS (n = 19), and IR-POI (n = 13). IR was defined based on elevated insulin levels during oral glucose tolerance testing (>10 mU/L at 0 min, >50 mU/L at 60 min, >30 mU/L at 120 min) according to national gynecological endocrinology guidelines, acknowledging that IR is not universally accepted as a distinct clinical entity. POI was defined as reduced ovarian reserve before age 40 with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) <1.0 ng/mL. Clinical symptoms were assessed using a questionnaire, medical record, and physical examination. MtDNA deletions were detected by long-range PCR, and GDF-15 was measured by ELISA. Free thyroxine (T4) emerged as an independent predictor of GDF-15, suggesting that thyroid function modulates mitochondrial stress signaling in insulin-resistant women. MtDNA deletions and/or elevated GDF-15 correlated with endocrine, gastrointestinal, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, and reduced AMH/FSH ratios indicated impaired ovarian function. Cross-sectional analysis further revealed lower AMH and AMH/FSH ratios in older women with mtDNA deletions, consistent with a trend toward accelerated reproductive aging. Overall, these findings support the role of GDF-15 and mtDNA deletions as complementary biomarkers of mitonuclear stress, with potential relevance for both systemic and reproductive health.