The Role of Circadian Rhythms in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as a most common metabolic disrupted disease, has several main symptoms, including ovarian insufficiency, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, etc., which may lead to female infertility. Many studies on the processes of PCOS have been done throughout the years, but unfortunately, the pathophysiology of PCOS is still not fully figured out. The circadian rhythm is the metronomic adjustment of the organisms to the external environment at all levels, from the molecular to the individual. It is revealed in multiple studies that there is a clear association between the progression of PCOS and the disturbance of circadian rhythms. Numerous studies have demonstrated that circadian rhythms can influence the development of PCOS by altering the Wnt/β-catenin, GPCR/cAMP/PKA, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK signaling pathways of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian/hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which result in abnormal hormone expression, receptor resistance, and metabolic disorders. The circadian rhythm misalignment may contribute to the formation and development of PCOS through the expression of certain genes that control the canonical signaling pathway. It is foreseeable that more preventive and targeted treatment for PCOS is the hot zone of clinical research in the future. This article aimed to review the state regarding the link between circadian rhythm disorder and PCOS, focus on the pathophysiology of PCOS, explore the pathways of circadian rhythm in the process of PCOS, and seek to offer a clear direction and practical approach for the prevention and treatment of PCOS.