Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – role of chronic inflammation in the expression of dysmetabolic phenotype

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder that affects both reproductive and metabolic functions. In­su­lin resistance (IR) and compensatory hyperinsulinemia (HI) are considered major factors in the pathophysiology of PCOS and are involved in the development of hyper­an­dro­ge­nism and reproductive dysfunction. Excess androgens are a distinctive sign of PCOS, which determines many of the phenotypic features. Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with PCOS characteristics, including insulin re­sis­tance and cardiovascular risk factors. Adipose tissue can be considered a proinflammatory organ, involved in the PCOS pathogenesis. Mediators released from immune cells and adipocytes have been identified as being involved in the development of IR. In conclusion, PCOS is a complex dis­order with multiple contributing factors, including in­su­lin resistance, hyperinsulinism, hyperandrogenism, and chro­nic inflammation. Understanding these mechanisms is es­sen­tial for the development of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to this multifactorial con­di­tion.