6 - Crosstalk between oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Reactive oxidant species (ROS) are frequently considered a “double-edged sword.” A moderately generated ROS is favorably required by the oocyte for maturity; nonetheless, unopposed levels of oxidants deteriorate the oocyte quality, negatively affecting the reproductive outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. ROS establishes an oxidative stressed environment and the development of chronic inflammations, which develop the confounders of PCOS like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus type II, increased risk of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and endothelial dysfunction. ROS instigates lipid peroxidation, transcription factors, and protein kinase activation and protein oxidation, thus interrupting various physiologic pathways. The body does offer defense against the ROS produced in the body in the form of antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase, catalases, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. They all, except glutathione peroxidase, act as the primary defense proteins. Glutathione peroxidase has a peroxidase activity and, along with oxido-reductase, nuclear enzymes, and vitamin E, protects the body as a secondary defense protein.