Oncostatin M and its receptor in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and association with assisted reproductive technology outcomes

The role of adipokines in ovarian-related disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been reported. However, the involvement of Oncostatin M (OSM), a recently identified adipokine, in ovarian function is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the association of the OSM signaling pathway with ovarian functions and PCOS pathogenesis. This case-control study enrolled 30 PCOS and 30 healthy women who underwent the intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure. OSM and OSM receptor (OSMR) levels were evaluated in the follicular fluid (FF). Moreover, the expression of insulin receptor substrates (IRS1 and IRS2), OSM, OSMR, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), and androgen receptor (AR) genes were analyzed in the isolated cumulus cells (CCs). For the in-vitro experiment, the effect of recombinant OSM on the expression of related genes in isolated CCs was analyzed. Follicular concentrations of OSM and OSMR were significantly lower in PCOS (123.91±48.58 pg/ml and 0.93±0.35 ng/ml, respectively) compared to control women (283.53 ± 96.62 pg/ml and 1.45 ± 0.18 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.001) and were positively correlated with the oocyte maturation (r = 0.611 and r = 0.611, respectively) and fertilization (r = 0.592 and r = 0.627, respectively) rates in the PCOS group. Furthermore, the SOCS3 expression was upregulated about eight times in PCOS patients compared to the controls (p < 0.05). The treatment of cells with recombinant OSM significantly increased SOCS3, OSMR, IRS-1, and -2 expression and decreased AR expression. The decreased levels of OSM and its receptor in PCOS patients, possibly mediated by SOCS3, could negatively affect oocyte maturation and fertilization rates.     

Circulating levels of apoptotic markers and oxidative stress parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-controlled descriptive study

Context: Apoptotic dysregulation plays a role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Objective: To evaluate circulatory apoptotic markers and oxidative stress in patients with PCOS.

Materials and methods: Forty-four women with PCOS, and 44 healthy women as controls were enrolled in the study. Oxidative stress parameters and caspases levels were measured in serum.

Results: The caspase 9 level was significantly lower and related with oxidant status in patients with PCOS, while the circulating levels of caspases 3 and 7 were statistically similar in both groups.

Discussion: This study is the first report demonstrating the circulating levels of apoptotic markers and their relationship with oxidant status in PCOS.

Conclusion: The circulating caspase 9 and oxidant status might contribute to apoptotic dysregulation in PCOS.     

Testosterone levels and cognitive functioning in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and in healthy young women

We investigated the possible influence of testosterone (T) on cognitive functioning in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder associated with elevated levels of free testosterone (free T). Performance on a battery of neuropsychological tests in 29 women with elevated free T levels due to PCOS was compared to the performance of 22 age- and education-matched, healthy control women with free T levels in the normal female range. Women with PCOS had significantly higher levels of free T (estimated by the free androgen index) and demonstrated significantly worse performance on tests of verbal fluency, verbal memory, manual dexterity, and visuospatial working memory than the healthy control women. No differences between the groups were found on tests of mental rotation, spatial visualization, spatial perception, or perceptual speed. These results suggest that, in women, elevations in free T may be associated with poorer performance on cognitive tasks that tend to show a female advantage.     

Modelling the control of ovulation and polycystic ovary syndrome

 The control of ovulation in mammalian species appears to be a highly robust process. The primary mechanism is believed to be competition amongst a group of developing follicles, mediated by a hormonal feedback loop involving in the first instance the pituitary. Successful follicles reach maturity and ovulate, the remainder atrophy and die. A model of this control process has been derived by Lacker and his group. Based on simple qualitative assumptions about the hormonal feedback loop, this is able to reflect many of the basic physiological features of ovulation in mammals. However, a fundamental hypothesis of Lacker’s work is that all follicles are identical and respond to hormonal signals in precisely the same way. Not only is this improbable, but it also leads to several aspects of the model which are qualitatively unrealistic, most notable of these is its inability to accurately model the condition known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This common malfunction of the ovulatory control mechanism accounts for up to three-quarters of cases of anovulatory infertility in humans and its understanding is therefore of considerable medical significance. In this paper we extend the analysis of Lacker’s model to the case of non-identical follicles; this allows us to obtain behaviour much closer to that observed in PCOS patients and to draw some tentative conclusions about the mechanisms underlying this condition. Received 19 August 1996; received in revised form 14 February 1997     

Effects of the pharmacologic manipulation of testosterone on cognitive functioning in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled treatment study

In a previous study, we found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder characterized by chronic hyperandrogenism, performed more poorly than healthy, matched controls on a number of neuropsychological tests, in particular tests of verbal fluency, verbal memory, manual dexterity, and visuospatial working memory. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial was undertaken to investigate whether pharmacologic manipulation of free testosterone (free T) levels in women with PCOS might affect their performance on cognitive tests. Nineteen women with PCOS completed a battery of neuropsychological tests before and after 3 months of treatment with either an anti-androgen (cyproterone acetate) plus estrogen or with a placebo. Hormone treatment of women with PCOS caused a significant reduction in their free T levels but did not affect performance on tests visuospatial ability, verbal memory, manual dexterity, or perceptual speed. Women treated with hormone therapy did, however, demonstrate an improvement in their performance on a test of verbal fluency compared to their pre-treatment scores. These findings suggest that changes in free T levels do not have a significant impact on cognitive performance in women with PCOS, although reductions in free T may be beneficial for verbal fluency.     

多囊卵巢综合征患者阴道微生态变化及其与性激素水平的关系

目的探讨多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者阴道微生态变化及其与性激素水平的关系。方法将2018年7月-2019年7月我院生殖健康与不孕症科收治的132例PCOS患者作为研究组,选择同期在我院进行妇科体检的86例健康女性作为对照组。16S rRNA法和定量PCR反应检测阴道分泌物微生态情况,放射免疫法测定血清中睾酮(T)、卵泡刺激素(FSH)、黄体生成素(LH)、雌二醇(E2)、孕酮(P)、催乳素(PRL)水平,分析微生态变化与性激素水平的关系。结果研究组患者阴道分泌物清洁度Ⅳ度检出率,滴虫、假丝酵母菌及线索细胞阳性检出率,阴道微生态失调率,血清T、LH、E2及PRL水平均高于对照组(P0.05),研究组患者血清FSH、P水平低于对照组(P0.05)。阴道微生态失调患者血清中E2水平高于阴道微生态正常患者,P水平低于阴道微生态正常患者(P0.05)。结论 PCOS患者存在阴道微生态失衡,阴道微生态的变化与血清性激素水平存在相关性,考虑激素水平的变化可能参与阴道微生态失调的发生。     

多囊卵巢综合征患者血清VitD水平及与炎症因子之间的相关性研究

目的 了解多囊卵巢综合征（PCOS）患者血清中25-羟维生素D（25-OH-VitD3）水平情况,并探讨其与白细胞介素-6（IL-6）、肿瘤坏死因子（TNF-α）、转化生长因子（TGF-β）、单核细胞趋化蛋白-1（MCP-1）及C-反应蛋白（CRP）之间的相关性。方法 选择2017年8月—2018年12月来医院妇科门诊就诊并确诊为PCOS的患者共135例作为PCOS组,选择同期来医院体检的健康妇女共120例作为对照组,采用化学发光法检测血清中25-OH-VitD3水平,免疫比浊法检测CRP水平及采用酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）检测IL-6、TNF-α及TGF-β水平,并对检测结果进行统计学分析。结果 PCOS组患者血清中25-OH-VitD3水平为31.87±6.29 nmol/L,明显低于对照组的65.08±13.76 nmol/L,差异有统计学意义（t=3.190,P<0.05）。PCOS组患者血清IL-6、TNF-α、TGF-β、MCP-1及CRP水平分别为23.71±11.23 ng/L、20.54±3.16 ng/L、76.54±8.03 ng/L、375.92±40.15 ng/L及13.48±3.10 mg/L,均明显高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（t=9.065,8.091,10.178,13.052,7.059,Ps<0.05）。通过Pearson相关性分析,25-OH-VitD3水平与IL-6、TNF-α、TGF-β、MCP-1及CRP水平均呈明显的负相关（r= -0.562,-0.628,-0.780,-0.850,-0.505,Ps<0.05）。结论 25-OH-VitD3低表达水平可能通过其免疫调节及抑制炎症因子生成能力下降,引起各种炎症因子水平升高,导致PCOS的发病。因此,维生素D可能与PCOS病的发生和发展有密切关系。     

2型糖尿病并发多囊卵巢综合征与肠道菌群相关性的研究进展

2型糖尿病并发多囊卵巢综合征（PCOS）的患病率逐年上升,但在临床中并未引起足够重视,二者并发增加了临床治疗难度,对患者的生活带来严重的不良影响。在药物治疗方面,虽然双胍类药物和SGLT-2抑制剂等治疗2型糖尿病并发PCOS具有一定的治疗效果,但受限于疾病发病机制不清及药物相关的不良反应,目前临床治疗此病的治疗效果欠佳,预后一般。研究发现,microRNA的异常表达、线粒体功能障碍、脂联素水平的下降与2型糖尿病并发PCOS密切相关。通过调节肠道菌群,可以调节microRNA的异常表达,改善线粒体功能障碍及升高血浆脂联素水平,提示肠道菌群失调可能是2型糖尿病并发PCOS的关键因素。因此,调节肠道菌群紊乱对治疗2型糖尿病并发PCOS具有重要意义。

     

阴道微生物与多囊卵巢综合征相关性的研究进展

多囊卵巢综合征（PCOS）是育龄期女性最常见的内分泌失调性疾病,具有高度的异质性和复杂性,是女性不孕的常见因素之一,且PCOS会显著增加2型糖尿病、肥胖、心血管疾病、高血压和心理疾病的风险,严重危害患者健康。阴道微生物群是每个女性特有的,正常的阴道微生物群在维持女性生殖健康方面起着至关重要的作用,而异常的阴道微生物定植与不良生殖结局密切相关。结合PCOS患者不孕症、高流产率、高早产率和胚胎停育等不良妊娠事件的发生,阴道乃至整个生殖道的不良微生物群可能通过免疫和炎症反应等途径影响着PCOS的发生发展,但其机制仍不清楚。因此,本文综述了阴道微生物群和PCOS患者相关性的研究概况,包括PCOS患者阴道微生物群的组成、阴道微生物群与PCOS的发生机制以及PCOS患者阴道微生物对生殖结局的影响,以期为PCOS的诊疗提供新思路。

     

Current and future aspects of several adjunctive treatment strategies in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism, menstrual disorders, and polycystic ovarian morphology. PCOS patients have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and infertility. The mechanism of PCOS is not yet fully understood, but insulin resistance and genetic factors may play distinct roles in the pathomechanism.There is ongoing research on new therapeutic modalities for women with PCOS. In this minireview, we assessed the evidence for the effectiveness and safety of selected adjunctive agents (metformin, statins, resveratrol, melatonin, and inositols) for the treatment of women with PCOS. Metformin is a safe medication used in PCOS for 25 years that is currently recommended in select PCOS subpopulations, such as adolescents, women with metabolic disorders, and infertility infertile women undergoing ovarian hyperstimulation. Statins are also suggested in PCOS therapy, as these compounds decrease testosterone concentrations, improve lipid profiles, and ameliorate inflammatory reactions. Despite promising results, the role of statins in PCOS management needs to be further validated. Dietary supplements have also been tested in PCOS patients. Resveratrol was shown to decrease total testosterone production and improve fasting insulin but, until recently, only in one randomized study. Data on the therapeutic efficacy of melatonin and inositols on endocrine and metabolic abnormalities are limited and inconclusive. The multifactorial etiology of PCOS makes tailoring of its treatment more demanding, and there is a constant need for causative and effective modes of PCOS therapy.     

Association of the CAG repeat polymorphisms in androgen receptor gene with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systemic review and meta-analysis

Background

Many studies have reported the associations of polymorphic CAG repeats in androgen receptor (AR) gene with PCOS risk, but with inconsistent results. So, the aim of present meta-analysis was to clarify such inconsistence, so as to provide more conclusive results.

Methods

PubMed was searched for the eligible reports published until February 2012 without language limitation. The studies reporting the relationship between CAG repeat length and PCOS were selected for the meta-analysis according to the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and evaluated the study quality.

Principal findings

As for the relationship between CAG repeat length and PCOS risk, the pooled results showed that the biallelic mean was not significantly different between PCOS and controls (SMD − 0.03, 95% CI − 0.16–0.10, P = 0.603), and that the ORs of PCOS were not demonstrated for the individuals with the biallelic mean less than median (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.68–1.35, P = 0.794), with the short CAG allele (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.80–1.10, P = 0.424), or with the X-weighted biallelic mean (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.46–1.41, P = 0.447). Further, as for the relationship between CAG repeat length and T levels in PCOS patients, the biallelic mean was not significantly different between PCOS patients with high T and those with low T (SMD 0.79, 95% CI − 0.12–1.70, P = 0.088), while the summary correlation r indicated that the CAG biallelic mean appeared to be positively associated with T levels in PCOS (r 0.20, 95% CI 0.11–0.30, p = 0.000).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis demonstrates no evident association between the CAG length variations in AR gene and PCOS risk, while the CAG length appears to be positively associated with T levels in PCOS patients.     

补充维生素D联合益生菌对多囊卵巢综合征患者肠道菌群多样性、代谢和激素水平的影响

目的探究补充维生素D联合益生菌治疗多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)对患者菌群多样性、代谢和激素水平的影响。方法选取2019年1月至2019年3月在东南大学附属中大医院诊断并治疗的PCOS患者60例,采用随机数表法分为联合补充组(30例)和维生素D组(30例),联合补充组同时使用维生素D和益生菌,维生素D组只补充维生素D。对治疗前后患者肠道菌群进行检测,并比较代谢因子和激素水平,使用Pearson相关性分析探究指标间的相关性。结果治疗后两组菌群丰富度、Shannon-Wiener指数及最大Shannon-Wiener指数均较治疗前显著升高(均P<0.05),且联合补充组丰富度、Shannon-Wiener指数显著高于维生素D组(t=4.496,2.896,均P<0.05);治疗后两组GSH、TAC水平均显著升高,其中联合补充组TAC显著高于维生素D组(t=2.505,P=0.002);治疗后两组MDA、TT显著降低,其中联合补充组MDA、TT显著低于维生素D组(t=2.371,2.177,P=0.021,0.034)。副拟杆菌属与MDA呈显著正相关(r=0.339,P=0.040),肠杆菌科与TT呈显著正相关(r=0.330,P=0.046),粪杆菌属与TAC呈显著正相关(r=0.437,P=0.007),乳杆菌属与TAC呈显著正相关(r=0.350,P=0.033),与TT呈显著负相关(r=-0.371,P=0.024)。结论补充维生素D联合益生菌可有效改善PCOS患者代谢因子及激素水平,且其肠道微生物与PCOS代谢及激素指标存在一定相关性。     

Leptin and leptin receptor gene polymorphisms and their association with plasma leptin levels and obesity in a multi-ethnic Malaysian suburban population

Background

This study was to investigate the prevalence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in leptin gene LEP (A19G and G2548A) and leptin receptor gene LEPR (K109R and Q223R) and their association with fasting plasma leptin level (PLL) and obesity in a Malaysian suburban population in Kampar, Perak.

Methods

Convenience sampling was performed with informed consents, and the study sample was drawn from patients who were patrons of the Kampar Health Clinic. A total of 408 subjects (mean age, 52.4 ± 13.7 years; 169 men, 239 women; 190 obese, 218 non-obese; 148 Malays, 177 ethnic Chinese, 83 ethnic Indians) participated. Socio-demographic data and anthropometric measurements were taken, and genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Results

The LEP A19G, G2548A and LEPR K109R, Q223R variant allele frequencies were 0.74, 0.67 and 0.61, 0.79, respectively. The genotype and allele distributions of these gene variants were significantly different among ethnic groups, but not among body mass index (BMI) classes. Subjects with LEPR K109 and Q223 allele had significantly higher systolic blood pressure and adiposity indices after adjustment for ethnicity (higher BMI, total body and subcutaneous fat; lower skeletal muscle percentage). Subjects with LEPR 109R allele had lower PLL than their wild-type allele counterparts. The influence of LEP A19G and G2548A SNPs on blood pressures, anthropometrics, and PLL was not evident. Interestingly, synergistic effect of the LEP and LEPR SNPs was observed as subjects homozygous for all four SNPs studied exhibited significantly higher subcutaneous fat and PLL than those with other genotype combinations.

Conclusions

The LEP and LEPR SNPs in this study may not be an obesity marker among Malaysians in this population, but were associated with ethnicity. Our findings suggest that each of these SNPs contributes to minor but significant variation in obesity-related traits and in combination they display synergistic effects on subcutaneous fat and PLL.     

Correlations of selenium and selenoprotein P with asymmetric dimethylarginine and lipid profile in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Accumulating evidence has suggested that selenium (Se) is of importance for optimal function of the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to investigate the associations of selenium and selenoprotein P (SePP) with asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and lipid profile in women with PCOS.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 125 females aged 18–45 years diagnosed with PCOS were recruited. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was applied to gather the relevant demographic characteristics, detailed clinical information, and lifestyle habits of participants. Fasting blood samples were obtained to measure biochemical parameters. Serum concentrations of total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), ADMA, and lipid profiles as well as anthropometric measurements were assessed across tertiles of serum Se and SePP concentrations.ResultsThere was a positive correlation between serum Se and SePP concentrations (r = 0.434, p < 0.001). Serum Se level was inversely correlated with ADMA (r = −0.21, p = 0.025) and TG (r = −0.17, p = 0.041) concentrations. There were also inverse correlations between SePP and ADMA (r = −0.34, p < 0.001), TG (r = −0.21, p = 0.019), and oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) (r = −0.25, p = 0.007) levels. No significant relationship was found between serum Se and SePP concentrations with total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1), apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B100), total testosterone, SHBG, and free androgen index as well as anthropometric parameters (All p > 0.05).ConclusionThe present study found that Se and SePP levels were inversely correlated with ADMA and TG concentrations as well as ox-LDL levels.     

多囊卵巢综合征和肠道菌群的关系及中药防治研究现状

多囊卵巢综合征是育龄期女性最常见的疾病之一,以多种内分泌代谢紊乱为特征。近年来的研究发现肠道菌群和多囊卵巢综合征的发生发展相关,肠道菌群和中医的关系已成为研究热点。本文分析了肠道菌群及其代谢产物和肠道屏障在多囊卵巢综合征发生发展中的作用,总结了单味中药和复方中药通过影响肠道菌群改善多囊卵巢综合征的研究进展。今后研究中应进一步探索与多囊卵巢综合征相关的特异菌属,探索中药有效成分及作用靶点,为中医治疗多囊卵巢综合征提供新思路。     

Association of TNF-alpha,IL-6 and IL-1beta gene polymorphisms with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis

Background

Several studies on the association of TNF-alpha (−308 G/A), IL-6 (−174 G/C) and IL-1beta (−511 C/T) polymorphisms with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) risk have reported conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to assess these associations by meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 14 eligible articles (1665 cases/1687 controls) were included in this meta-analysis. The results suggested that there was no obvious association between the TNF-alpha (−308 G/A) polymorphism and PCOS in the overall population or subgroup analysis by ethnicity, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in controls, genotyping method, PCOS diagnosis criteria, and study sample size. Also, no obvious association was found between the TNF-alpha (−308 G/A) polymorphism and obesity in patients with PCOS (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m² vs. BMI < 25 kg/m²). Regarding the IL-6 (−174 G/C) polymorphism, also no association was found in the overall population in heterozygote comparison, dominant model, and recessive model. Even though an allelic model (odds ratio [OR] = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41–0.96) and a homozygote comparison (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.30–0.93) showed that the IL-6 (−174 G/C) polymorphism was marginally associated with PCOS. Further subgroup analysis suggested that the effect size was not significant among HWE in controls (sample size ≤ 200) and genotyping method of pyrosequencing under all genetic models. Similarly, there was no association between the IL-1beta (−511 C/T) polymorphism and PCOS in the overall population or subgroup analysis under all genetic models. Furthermore, no significant association was found between the IL-1beta (−511 C/T) polymorphism and several clinical and biochemical parameters in patients with PCOS.

Conclusions

The results of this meta-analysis suggest that the TNF-alpha (−308 G/A), IL-6 (−174 G/C), and IL-1beta (−511 C/T) polymorphisms may not be associated with PCOS risk. However, further case–control studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our results.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-015-0165-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Evaluation of the Rho A/Rho-kinase pathway in the uterus of the rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of RhoA/Rho-kinase in the uterus and the effect of Rho-kinase inhibitors on uterine contractions of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rats. Forty-four female Sprague-Dawley (21 days old) rats divided into three groups: The control group (n?=?14, any procedure was not performed), vehicle group (n?=?14, 0.2?ml of sesame oil, subcutaneous injection, 20 days) and PCOS group (n?=?16, DHEA 6?mg/100?g in 0.2?ml of sesame oil, subcutaneous injection, 20 days). The myometrium thickness and uterine wet weight were assessed. The mRNA and protein expressions of Rho A, the effect of Rho-kinase inhibitors (fasudil and Y-27632) on KCl, carbachol, and PGF2α induced contractions were evaluated in the uterus. In the PCOS group, the myometrium thickness and uterine wet weight significantly increased compared to the control group and vehicle group. The mRNA expression level and the immunoreactive score of Rho A, ROCK 1, ROCK 2 were similar in all groups. In the PCOS group, KCl, carbachol, and PGF2α induced uterine contractions significantly increased compared to the control group and vehicle group. Fasudil and Y-27632 significantly inhibited KCl, carbachol, and PGF2α induced uterine contractions in all groups. In conclusion, the expression of Rho A, ROCK 1, ROCK 2 not changed although myometrium thickness, uterine wet weight and the contractile responses of uterus increased in the PCOS group. The results suggest that the Rho-kinase inhibitors effectively suppressed increased contractions in the PCOS group they might be potential therapeutic agents.     

Melatonin alleviates insulin resistance through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in ovary granulosa cells of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine gynecological disorder. Insulin resistance (IR) is a major cause of PCOS. Melatonin, a critical endogenous hormone, has beneficial effects on the female reproductive system. This study aims to investigate the molecular effect of melatonin on IR in human ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). Hormone levels of the subjects were determined through clinical examination. The expression levels of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and glucose transporter (GLUT4) in GCs from PCOS patients and a human granulosa cell line (SVOG) were examined using qRT-PCR and western blot. The IR cell model was established by inducing SVOG cells with palmitic acid (PA). IR was detected in GCs of PCOS patients and SVOG by measuring glucose content and glucose uptake. Cell viability and apoptosis levels were detected by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. PI3K/Akt pathway expression in SVOG was assessed by western blot. PCOS patients had higher levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and LH/follicle-stimulating hormone. PA decreased cell viability, promoted apoptosis, and reduced glucose uptake in SVOG cells. IRS-1 and GLUT4 mRNA and protein expression was downregulated, and glucose uptake capacity was reduced in PCOS GCs and SVOG cells. Melatonin significantly upregulated IRS-1 and GLUT4 expression, downregulated p-IRS-1 (Ser307), and improved glucose uptake in PCOS patients' GCs and SVOG cells. PA decreased PI3K and Akt phosphorylation, whereas melatonin increased p-PI3K and p-Akt levels. Melatonin can reduce IR in GCs and PA-induced SVOG cells via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, providing more evidence for treating polycystic ovary syndrome.     

Impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on eating behavior,depression and health related quality of life: A cross-sectional study in Riyadh

Background & objectivesPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinal disorder, and the greatest cause of infertility in women. Despite availability of individual data on impact of multiple endocrinal, reproductive and even metabolic factors in PCOS individuals, the data on the co-existence of BED and depression in PCOS patients with its relationship on the quality of life in Saudi Arabian females is not found. Hence this study is aimed to elucidate the implication of PCOS on eating behaviour, induction of depression and general health quality in Saudi Arabian population of Riyadh.Materials and methodsThis is a cross-sectional study carried out in multiple health facilities of Riyadh from January to March 2019. The study samples (494) were recruited by convenience sampling and administered validated questionnaire by trained research participants. The data obtained was analysed by binary logistic regression using SPSS-IBM 25.ResultsOf the total 494 women participated in the study, 23.48% (116) were PCOS individuals. The odds of developing abnormal health related quality of (HRQ) in patients with PCOS was significantly (P = 0.000, OR = 3.472) high when compared to non-PCOS participants. The odds of showing high binge eating disorder (BED, P = 0.007, OR = 2.856) and depression (P = 0.000, OR = 2.497) scores in PCOS participants were significantly more than patients who were not having PCOS. Out of the three parameters studied, abnormal health related quality of life possessed a higher influence of PCOS compared to depression and abnormal eating behavior.Interpretation & conclusionIn conclusion, the present study shows that women with PCOS are at a significant risk for depressive disorders, disorganized eating behavior and impaired quality of life. Therefore, necessary care and screening is required to minimize the impact of PCOS on already burdened individuals.     

Metabolism alteration in follicular niche: The nexus among intermediary metabolism,mitochondrial function,and classic polycystic ovary syndrome

Classic polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a high-risk phenotype accompanied by increased risks of reproductive and metabolic abnormalities; however, the local metabolism characteristics of the ovaries and their effects on germ cell development are unclear. The present study used targeted metabolomics to detect alterations in the intermediate metabolites of follicular fluid from classic PCOS patients, and the results indicated that hyperandrogenism but not obesity induced the changed intermediate metabolites in classic PCOS patients. Regarding the direct contact, we identified mitochondrial function, redox potential, and oxidative stress in cumulus cells which were necessary to support oocyte growth before fertilization, and suggested dysfunction of mitochondria, imbalanced redox potential, and increased oxidative stress in cumulus cells of classic PCOS patients. Follicular fluid intermediary metabolic profiles provide signatures of classic PCOS ovary local metabolism and establish a close link with mitochondria dysfunction of cumulus cells, highlighting the role of metabolic signal and mitochondrial cross talk involved in the pathogenesis of classic PCOS.