Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Group Research Articles

CORRELATION OF LEPTIN AND ADIPONECTIN LEVELS WITH METABOLIC AND HORMONAL PROFILES IN PCOS PATIENTS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY WITH NORMAL CONTROLS

Objective: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by metabolic and reproductive abnormalities, including insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. Leptin and adiponectin, two adipokines involved in metabolic regulation, are known to be dysregulated in PCOS. This study aims to investigate the correlation between leptin and adiponectin levels and their association with metabolic and hormonal profiles in PCOS patients compared to healthy controls. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted involving 120 women diagnosed with PCOS and 50 healthy controls. Leptin and adiponectin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The adiponectin-to-leptin ratio (ALR) was calculated, and correlations with BMI, LH/FSH ratio, and other metabolic parameters were analyzed. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Leptin levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group compared to controls (25.34 ng/ml vs. 11.16 ng/ml, p<0.0001), while adiponectin levels were significantly lower (2.93 mcg/ml vs. 21.44 mcg/ml, p<0.0001). The adiponectin-to-leptin ratio was markedly reduced in PCOS patients (0.13 vs. 2.05, p<0.0001). A significant correlation was observed between the adiponectin/leptin ratio and the LH/FSH ratio (r = 0.2138, p = 0.019). Conclusion: This study highlights the dysregulation of leptin and adiponectin in PCOS, suggesting their potential role in metabolic and reproductive dysfunction. The adiponectin-to-leptin ratio emerges as a promising biomarker for insulin resistance and metabolic risk in PCOS patients.

Fertility and age at childbirth in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Results from a longitudinal population-based cohort study.

There are few studies in unselected populations describing reproductive outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) at the end of their reproductive years. To compare parity and maternal age at deliveries and explore factors associated with advanced maternal age in a large, unselected population-based cohort, followed prospectively for 25 years. Women randomly selected from the general population and included in the prospective Australian Longitudinal Study on Women´s Health were assessed approximately every third year from 1996 (age 18 - 23 years) to 2021 (age 43 - 48 years). Women with and without self-reported PCOS diagnosis ((n=981 and n=13 266, respectively) were compared. Overall 9.9% of women reported having PCOS and by 43 - 48 years. Compared to women without PCOS, those with PCOS had fewer births (1.7 ± 1.3 vs. 1.9 ± 1.2, p<0.001), and more were nulliparous (23% vs. 18%, p=0.003). Women with PCOS were older at their first and second childbirths (29.5 ± 5.5 vs. 28.8 ± 5.5 years and 32.1 ± 5.2 vs. 31.1 ± 5.0 years, p<0.001 for both). PCOS was associated with increased odds of advanced maternal age at first childbirth, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.40 (95% confidence interval 1.10-1.80), and increased odds of gestational diabetes, aOR 3.90 (2.99-5.10). However, type 2 diabetes and hypertension were not associated with advanced maternal age (aOR 0.81 (0.43-1.50) and aOR 0.78 (0.59-1.03), respectively. Within the PCOS group, a late PCOS diagnosis was associated with increased odds of advanced maternal age, aOR 1.98 (1.22-3.22). Women with PCOS have lower parity and give birth at a later age compared to women without PCOS. PCOS is associated with advanced maternal age, with subsequent increased pregnancy complications. Later PCOS diagnosis is associated with double the rate of advanced maternal age at birth, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis.

Visfatin and VEGF levels are not increased in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome

IntroductionPCOS is one of the most commonly occurring endocrinopathies among women and increasingly affects adolescent populations. The connection between PCOS and various endocrinological, psychological, and CVD is increasingly recognized. Some studies have shown elevated levels of visfatin and VEGF among patients with PCOS, which are markers of vascular endothelial dysfunction. In our study, we evaluated the concentration of these parameters, focusing solely on a group of adolescents with PCOS, to assess whether these early markers of CVD are present at an early stage of diagnosis.Material and methodsIn total, 80 adolescent girls participated in the study. 47 adolescents diagnosed with PCOS were included in the study group (mean age 15.68 ± 1.18 years, BMI 26.66 ± 6.41 kg/m2), while the remaining 33 regularly menstruating individuals (mean age 15.79 ± 1.22 years, BMI 25.44 ± 7.24 kg/m2) were assigned to the control group. Each participant underwent imaging, biochemical, and hormonal tests. Additionally, markers of endothelial dysfunction: VEGF and visfatin, were measured in all adolescents.ResultsBoth VEGF and visfatin levels did not differ significantly between PCOS and control group (p=0.30 and p=0.15, respectively). In the group of adolescent girls with PCOS, visfatin was significantly correlated with HDL, FSH, cortisol, and testosterone levels &amp;gt;55 ng/dl. VEGF was significantly correlated with fasting glucose, glucose levels after OGTT, estradiol, and waist circumference &amp;gt;80 cm.ConclusionIt can be indirectly inferred that both visfatin and VEGF should not be used as early markers for cardiometabolic complications among adolescent patients with PCOS. On the other hand, low visfatin levels, through their negative correlation with HDL, may have a protective effect on cardiovascular complications, while low VEGF levels, through their positive correlation with glucose levels, may have a protective influence on carbohydrate metabolism disorders.

Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Excess Body Fat Exhibit Atypical Sympathetic Autonomic Modulation That is Partially Reversed by Aerobic Physical Training.

The aetiology of impairments in autonomic modulation of heart rate variability (HRV) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains unclear, as does the impact of aerobic physical training (APT) on controlling endocrine-metabolic disorders and HRV. This is because these women often present excess body fat. Therefore, we assessed whether the dysregulation in autonomic modulation of HRV in women with PCOS is due to endocrine-metabolic disorders and whether the combination of excess body fat with endocrine-metabolic disorders amplifies cardiovascular autonomic deficits. We also investigated whether APT positively influences autonomic modulation of HRV in PCOS. Non-randomised clinical trial. Women with and without PCOS with different percentages of body fat. Participants were divided into four groups: women without PCOS with a body fat percentage between 22% and 29% (CONTROL group; 22%-29%); CONTROL (30%-37%) group; PCOS (22%-29%) group; and PCOS (30%-37%) group. Hemodynamic, metabolic, and hormonal characteristics and HRV parameters were obtained before and after 16 weeks of APT. The PCOS (22%-29%) group exhibited lower vagal modulation than the CONTROL (22%-29%) group. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between the CONTROL (30%-37%) and PCOS (30%-37%) groups. Furthermore, the PCOS (30%-37%) group demonstrated lower sympathetic modulation than the PCOS (22%-29%) group. After APT, the PCOS (22%-29%) group increased in vagal modulation, while the PCOS (30%-37%) group increased in sympathetic modulation. PCOS affects vagal modulation; however, this effect may be masked at elevated levels of body fat. Additionally, the combination of excess body fat with endocrine-metabolic dysregulation appears to reduce sympathetic modulation, possibly due to sympathetic drive hyperactivity. APT positively affected HRV in both PCOS groups.

Carotid artery intima-media thickness in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross-sectional study

Background: Obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is an acceptable marker in assessing the risk of heart disease. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the CIMT in PCOS women compared to non-PCOS women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 48 women who referred to Imam Reza hospital, Kermanshah, Iran from July 2020–2021. Women were divided into 2 groups of PCOS and non-PCOS women (n = 24/each). The intima-media thickness of participants’ carotid artery was measured on both sides in 3 areas, and its mean was recorded. Results: The mean thickness of the carotid artery intima-media in the case group was within the normal range; but it was significantly higher than the control group (0.71 ± 0.17 vs. 0.57 ± 0.09 mm, p = 0.019). Conclusion: Considering the higher thickness of CIMT in women with PCOS, it can be concluded that PCOS increases the risk of heart diseases in women. Key words: Polycystic ovary disease, Atherosclerosis, Intima media thickness, Carotid artery, Cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin D has therapeutic effects on obesity and hyperandrogenemia in PCOS mouse model induced by low dose DHEA and high-fat diet

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most complex and common reproductive endocrine disease among reproductive age women. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D (Vit.D) in a PCOS mouse model induced by low dose DHEA and high-fat diet. Prepubertal female mice were divided into 4 groups randomly: control, PCOS, PCOS with low dose Vit.D(LDVD), and PCOS with high dose Vit.D(HDVD) groups (n = 10 per group). PCOS mice were administrated with high-fat diet and subcutaneous injection with 6 mg/kg/day dehydroepiandrosterone throughout the study. After the first 30 days, 1,25(OH)2D3 was intend to be administered by intraperitoneal injection for 40 consecutive days, 1.3 µg/kg/week in LDVD group, and 13 µg/kg /week in HDVD group. However, the mice in HDVD group appeared to be fatigue and anorexic after the Vit.D injections, then all died within two weeks. The body weights and testosterone levels in PCOS group were significantly higher than those in the control and LDVD groups (P < 0.001). The total cholesterol levels in the control group were lower than those in PCOS and LDVD groups (P < 0.001). Further, the ratio of liver to body weight was different among groups (P < 0.001). Our data illustrates that Vit.D has therapeutic effects on obesity and hyperandrogenemia in PCOS mouse model induced by low dose DHEA and high-fat diet. However, over dose of Vit.D is toxic. Further researches are needed to elucidate the mechanisms.

Utilizing follicular fluid on endometrial stromal cells enhances decidualization by induced inflammation.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disease associated with inflammation and the follicular fluid of this patient contains proinflammatory cytokines. Abdominal obesity (AO) is also linked to increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines. This study investigated the induction of inflammation and decidualization of in vitro cultured endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) obtained from women with a normal uterus using the follicular fluid of PCOS and non-PCOS patients with or without abdominal obesity. Forty patients under 35 years old, referred to the Royan Institute, were divided into four groups: PCOS with AO, PCOS without AO, non-PCOS with AO, and non-PCOS without AO. Follicular fluid samples were added to the culture medium of ESCs for each group. The rate of decidualization was measured by examining decidual markers. The study also investigated morphological changes in uterine endometrial cells, cell migration rates, and gene expression across all groups. We found that the non-PCOS group without AO had the highest decidualization potential and the highest expression of decidualization markers (P ≤ 0.05). Groups with an inflammatory phenotype of PCOS or abdominal obesity showed the highest expression of decidual pathway markers. The expression levels of inflammatory and proliferative markers in the PCOS group with AO were significantly higher than in the other groups (P ≤ 0.05). The inflammatory profile present in the follicular fluid may trigger the decidualization process. Consequently, in the future, follicular fluid could be utilized as a natural supplement with human cells to promote decidualization and enhance endometrial receptivity in assisted reproductive technology.

Effects of carvacrol on hormonal, inflammatory, antioxidant changes, and ovarian reserve in polycystic ovary syndrome in Wistar rats.

The study, which explored the effects of carvacrol on female reproductive health, particularly in terms of hormonal, inflammatory, antioxidant, and ovarian reserves in polycystic ovary syndrome, could significantly influence future treatments and clinical practice. The study, conducted on thirty-five female Wistar albino rats, was designed to mimic the conditions of polycystic ovary syndrome in humans. The rats were randomly assigned into five groups: control (C), vehicle (V), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), carvacrol (CAR), and polycystic ovary syndrome+ carvacrol (PCOS + CAR). The following practices were applied to the groups during the study. Normal saline was administered to the C group, DMSO to the V group, letrozole (1mg/kg/day) to the PCOS group, carvacrol (20mg/kg) to the CAR group, and letrozole and carvacrol together to the PCOS + CAR group for twenty-one days. At the end of the administration, blood, and ovarian samples were taken for hormone analysis (E2, and AMH), inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6), oxidant-antioxidant analysis (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase), and histopathological examinations. Ovary, and body weights were measured, and the ovary index was calculated. As a result, it was observed that carvacrol caused beneficial effects through inflammatory, and antioxidant mechanisms in PCOS.

Serum Selenium Levels and Their Relationship with Insulin Resistance in Individuals with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Growing evidence indicates a potential link between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and selenium (Se) levels. This study aims to assess Se concentrations in Saudi women with and without PCOS and to explore the relationships between Se levels, insulin resistance (IR), adiponectin, and lipid markers. We randomly recruited 197 women aged 18 to 40, both with and without PCOS, for this age-matched case-control study. The PCOS participants were categorized into three groups based on their Se levels. All participants underwent interviews, and their anthropometric measurements and blood samples were collected for further analysis of biochemical variables. There was a notable difference between the two groups studied across all biochemical variables. Specifically, fasting blood glucose, insulin, the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) index, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly higher in the PCOS group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Conversely, Se, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and adiponectin levels were significantly lower in women with PCOS than in their age-matched controls (p < 0.01). HOMA-IR was identified as the sole independent predictor of serum Se levels, explaining 17.2% of the variability in its circulating levels (β = - 0.57; 95% CI: - 0.96 to - 0.18, p = 0.004). The findings reveal that women with PCOS have lower serum Se levels compared to the controls. Furthermore, the results confirm a correlation between Se levels and insulin resistance.

Proteomic Analysis of Follicular Fluid in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Insights into Protein Composition and Metabolic Pathway Alterations.

This study explores the proteomic composition of follicular fluid (FF) from women undergoing oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilisation (IVF), with a focus on the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). FF samples were collected from 74 patients, including 34 with PCOS and 40 oocyte donors. Proteomic profiling using machine learning identified significant differences in protein abundance between the PCOS and control groups. Of the 484 quantified proteins, 20 showed significantly altered levels in the PCOS group. Functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis pointed to the involvement of protease inhibitors and immune-related proteins in the pathophysiology of PCOS, suggesting that inflammation and immune dysregulation may play a key role. Additionally, HDL assembly was identified as a significant pathway, with apolipoprotein-AI (APOA1) and alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) as the major proteins involved. Notably, myosin light polypeptide 6 was the most downregulated protein, showing the highest absolute fold change, and may serve as a novel independent biomarker for PCOS.

Association between QTc and Poincare plot in polycystic ovary syndrome in young adolescents: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Context: PCOS is one of the most neglected noncommunicable diseases, and early detection would be of great value to primary care physicians. Sympathovagal imbalance detected using heart rate variability (HRV) can be used to detect early autonomic changes if any. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate QTc and Poincare plot (nonlinear analysis of HRV) in young adolescent PCOS patients. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study involving 25 PCOS and 25 healthy individuals of age group 12–18 years. HRV was evaluated using the lead II ECG for 10 min from which QTc was calculated manually using the Bazett formula. Student’s t-test was used to assess differences between means. A P value &lt; 0.05 was taken for statistical significance. The association between QTc and Poincare plot descriptors was assessed by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results: HRV linear analysis domain represented as the LF/HF ratio was reported to significantly increased among the PCOS group (P = 0.04). Similarly, the nonlinear analysis of HRV by Poincare plot reported a significant decrease in SD1 (P = 0.04) and SD2 (P = 0.02). The heart rate was significantly increased among the PCOS group (P &lt; 0.001). QTc did not show any significant increase among the PCOS group (P = 0.09). QTc was reported to be positively correlated with SD1 (r = 0.37, P &lt; 0.01), SD2 (r-0.33, P = 0.02), LF HF ratio (r = 0.52, P &lt; 0.001), and BMI (r = 0.92, P &lt; 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The study suggests that HRV nonlinear analysis can be used as a simple noninvasive tool to evaluate cardiovascular autonomic changes.

Gut microbiota in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an individual based analysis of publicly available data

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting numerous females worldwide. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota has been linked to the occurrence of PCOS; however, research into the characteristics of gut microbiota in PCOS patients, especially those from different regions and with different testosterone level, remains limited. Additionally, it is still unclear whether gut microbiota helps to distinguish different PCOS subtypes. We searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov) from Jan 1, 2010 to May 1, 2024. This combined analysis included studies providing the raw data of gut microbiota in PCOS patients. We reanalyzed the characteristics of gut microbiota in PCOS patients from different regions and with different testosterone level. Fourteen publications satisfying the inclusion criteria were included in the combined analysis. Based on data from 948 individuals, we found alpha-diversity was not significantly different between PCOS and healthy control (HC) groups. However, gut microbiota composition was distinct in PCOS patients compared with healthy individuals. Specifically, Fusobacterium, Ruminococcus_gnavus_group, and Escherichia-Shigella increased, while Dysosmobacter, Schaedlerella, Merdimonas, Clostridiisalibacter, Flintibacter etal. decreased in PCOS women. Regionally, Alistipes was enriched in primarily European patients, while Blautia and Roseburia were more abundant in Chinese patients. Subtype analysis revealed that the gut microbiota of PCOS patients with higher testosterone level (PCOS-HT) differed significantly from those with lower testosterone level (PCOS-LT). Prevotella, Blautia, Dialister, Ruminococcus_torques_group and UCG-002 were enhanced in PCOS-HT patients, while Alistipes, Dysosmobacter, Phocaeicola and Faecalibacterium were diminished. Importantly, a set of eight genera effectively differentiated PCOS-HT patients from PCOS-LT patients with an AUC of 0.95. This systematic anatomization of gut microbiota revealed the microbial characteristics of PCOS patients, particularly those with different testosterone level, thus laying the foundations for further research into pathogenesis of PCOS, and the development of effective diagnostic, treatment, and intervention strategies. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81973217, 82260304), the Hainan Province Clinical Medical Center (QWYH202175), and the Specific Research Fund of The Innovation Platform for Academicians of Hainan Province (YSPTZX202311).

Evaluation of the Effects of Naringenin on the Hypothalamic mRNA Levels of nesfatin-1 and CRH in a Rat Model of PCOS

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder and a leading cause of infertility in women. Studies suggest that naringenin may improve ovarian function; however, its molecular mechanism within the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis remains unclear. Objectives: This study investigated the role of naringenin on the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and nesfatin-1 genes in the hypothalamus of PCOS rats. Methods: Twenty rats, each weighing 180 - 200 g, were divided into four groups (n = 5). Polycystic ovary syndrome was induced by administering estradiol valerate (2 mg per rat). The control and PCOS groups received saline, while the other two PCOS groups received intraperitoneal injections of naringenin at doses of 20 and 50 mg/kg for 14 days. Hypothalamic samples were collected to measure gene expression via real-time PCR. Results: The PCOS group showed a significant decrease in CRH and nesfatin-1 gene expression compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). Naringenin treatment significantly increased the expression of CRH and nesfatin-1 genes in comparison to the PCOS group (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Naringenin appears to have therapeutic potential in improving ovarian function in PCOS. Its effects are mediated through up-regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides upstream of GnRH neurons.

Assessment of Artemisia Campestris L. Leaf Extract Effects on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Rats, Antioxidant and α-Amylase Inhibition Activities.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by metabolic and reproductive dysfunction, often associated with elevated oxidative stress markers in the bloodstream. This study examines the potential antioxidant properties and α-amylase inhibitory activity of Artemisia campestris leaves extract (Artemisia campestris L) and its effects on rats with induced PCOS. Estradiol valerate was administered to ten mature Wistar rats to induce PCOS, while a control group consisted of five mature Wistar rats. Following a 16-day induction period, the rats were categorized into three groups: a control group, a PCOS group, and an experimental group receiving 200 mg/kg body weight of A. campestris L. extract orally for 15 days. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured using the ELISA technique. The group treated with A. campestris L. extract exhibited significantly reduced LH levels compared to the PCOS group. Histomorphometric analysis indicated notable changes in follicle counts and the thickness of the theca layer. These findings suggest a significant alleviation of PCOS symptoms, potentially linked to the effects of A. campestris L. on oxidative stress pathways. Furthermore, aqueous extracts of A. campestris L. displayed potent in vitro inhibition of α-amylase, with an IC50 value of 2.418 μg/mL.

Identification and validation of novel genes related to immune microenvironment in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most complicated chronic inflammatory diseases in women of reproductive age and is one of the primary factors responsible for infertility. There is substantial dispute relating to the pathophysiology of PCOS. Consequently, there is a critical need for further research to identify the factors underlying the pathophysiology of PCOS. Three transcriptome profiles of granulosa cells from patients with PCOS and normal controls were obtained from the gene expression integration database. We also obtained relevant microarrays of granulocytes prepared from PCOS patients and normal controls from the gene expression integration database. Then, we used the R package to perform correlations and identify differences between PCOS and normal controls with regard to immune infiltrating cells and functionality. Subsequently, intersecting genes were identified and risk models were constructed. Finally, the results were validated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and real-time PCR. We identified 8 genes related to cuproptosis (SLC31A1, PDHB, PDHA1, DLST, DLD, DLAT, DBT, and ATP7A) and 5 genes related to m7G (SNUPN, NUDT16, GEMIN5, DCPS, and EIF4E3) that were associated with immune infiltration. Furthermore, the expression levels of DLAT (P = .049) and NUDT16 (P = .024) differed significantly between the PCOS patients and normal controls, as revealed by multifactorial analysis. Both DLAT and NUDT16 were negatively correlated with immune cell expression and function and expression levels were significantly lower in the PCOS group. Finally, real-time PCR and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated that the expression levels of DLAT and NUDT16 were significantly reduced in the granulosa cells of PCOS patients. In conclusion, our findings shed fresh light on the roles of immune infiltration, cuproptosis, and m7G alternations in PCOS. We also provide a reliable biomarker for the pathological classification of PCOS patients.

Association of Spexin Hormone Levels with Metabolic Disturbance in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is affecting around 5–15% of females. Spexin hormone, identified as neuropeptide Q, has been newly recognized by bioinformatics methods. Objective: To evaluate the relationship concerning levels of spexin hormone with metabolic disruption in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Patients and Methods: A case-control study carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Al-Imamain Al-Khademain medical city/Baghdad, Iraq, from Jan 1, 2022, to the end of Dec 31, 2022. The study sample comprises, 192 participants aged 18-45 years were joined and allocated into a case group (96 women with PCOS) and a control group (96 women without PCOS). Results: Mean value of spexin hormone was (2.7±0.3 ng/mL) in the PCOS group, while it was (3.5±0.7 ng/mL) in the control group; fasting blood sugar shows significant association with a negative, weak correlation with Spexin in patients (P-value= 0.005), Insulin shows significant association with inverse correlation with Spexin in patients (P-value= 0.04), Homeostasis model valuation of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) shows significant association with inverse correlation with Spexin in patients (P-value= 0.003). Spexin had a significant inverse correlation with LH, SHBG, testosterone, FAI, and Dehydroepiandrosterone. Conclusion: Serum level of spexin hormone was meaningfully decreased in patients with PCOS than that in healthy women.

Serum pentraxin-3 expression varies according to polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes.

Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) is a multibiological protein involved in cumulus cell expansion, fertilization, and implantation. This study was designed to analyze how circulating PTX-3 levels change in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A total of 50 Turkish participants, 35 of whom had PCOS and 15 of whom were fertile, were included in the study. Patients in the PCOS group were divided into 4 different phenotypes according to the NIH criteria (phenotypes A-D). The number of patients in phenotype A was the highest 13 (37.1%). In the calculations made without phenotyping, the serum ptx3 levels of the PCOS group were found to be significantly lower compared to the fertile control group (3.32 ± 0.73 ng/mL vs 4.97 ± 1.29 ng/mL; P < .001). The ptx3 value of phenotypes A and B was significantly lower than phenotype D (P = .008 and P = .009, respectively). When the phenotypes were compared with the fertile control group, the PTX-3 levels of phenotypes A and B were significantly lower than the fertile group. Although the ptx3 levels of phenotypes C and D were lower than the fertile group, the difference did not reach statistical significance. This is the first study to investigate serum ptx3 levels by phenotype in PCOS. While serum PTX-3 levels decreased in phenotypes A and B, ptx3 levels in phenotypes C and D were similar in fertile patients.

Relation of mitochondrial DNA copy number and variants with the clinical characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome

Mounting evidences suggests mitochondrial dysfunction as a novel contributor in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Herein, we analyzed mtDNA copy number, a biomarker of mitochondrial function in women with PCOS and non-PCOS participants and study its correlation with their clinical characteristics. In this study, we further analyzed association of 383 mtDNA variants, as reported previously by us, with characteristic traits of PCOS and perform structural analysis of mutated protein. Our results indicate relative mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number to be significantly reduced in women with PCOS compared to non-PCOS group and significantly inversely related to waist to hip ratio (WHR), triglycerides and positively related to high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). After adjustment of the age in the PCOS group, significantly negative correlation of mtDNA copy number with WHR was observed. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis revealed rare, low heteroplasmic mtDNA variants such as 12556G, 1488T, 9200G, 9670G, 3308G, 14480G, 15914T and 5426G to be strongly associated with PCOS related traits. Among these variants, variant 12256G in ND5 gene affected both the flexibility and overall stability of the protein structure. This study is first to reveal significant correlation of mtDNA copy number with WHR in women with PCOS indicating link between mitochondrial dysfunction with central obesity in PCOS. we also first time showed association of rare mtDNA variants with characteristics traits of PCOS highlighting the clinical significance of rare mtDNA variants, which may cumulatively act as early predictors of risk of PCOS and its related comorbidities which may help in the management of PCOS.

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Improves Endometrial Homeostasis in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Decreasing Insulin Resistance and Regulating the Glylytic Pathway.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that can lead to insulin resistance (IR) and dysregulation of glucose metabolism, resulting in an imbalance in the endometrial environment, which is unfavorable for embryo implantation of PCOS. This study aims to investigate whether nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) improves the stability of the endometrium in a rat model of PCOS and identifies whether it is related to reduce IR and increase glycolysis levels and its potential signaling pathway. Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats are fed letrozole and a high-fat diet (HFD) to form the PCOS model, then the model rats are treated with or without NMN. It randomly divided into control, PCOS, and PCOS-NMN groups according to the feeding and treating method. Compared with the PCOS group, the regular estrous cycles are restored, the serum androgen (p<0.01) and fasting insulin levels (p<0.05) are reduced, and endometrial morphology (p<0.05) is improved in NMN-PCOS group. Furthermore, NMN inhibits endometrial cell apoptosis, improves endometrial decidualization transition, reduces IR, restores the expression of glycolysis rate-limiting enzymes, and activates the PI3K/AKT pathway in the uterus. These results suggest that NMN enhances endometrial tissue homeostasis by decreasing uterine IR and regulating the glycolysis through the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Contribution of cervical incompetence to occurrence of second trimester abortion in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome during the frozen embryo transfer cycle.

Second-trimester abortion is a critical issue in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treated with assisted reproductive technology (ART), cervical incompetence (CI) may play a role. Although previous studies have revealed an association between PCOS and CI in women undergoing ART with fresh embryo transfer, the associated risk factors in frozen embryo transfer cycles are still unknown. The primary objective of this study is to examine the impact of CI on the occurrence of second-trimester abortion in women with PCOS undergoing frozen embryo transfer. This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent frozen-thawed embryo transfer and experienced second-trimester abortion between January 2012 and January 2020 from the Reproductive Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Logit-transformed propensity score matching (PSM) was used to assess covariates. Patients were classified into the PCOS and non-PCOS groups. The PCOS group was further divided into two subgroups: the CI group and non-CI group. After case matching with PSM, 278 patients were included: 139 each in the PCOS group and non-PCOS groups. More miscarriages were attributed to CI in the PCOS group compared with the control group (20.14% vs. 10.07%). Subsequently, in the PCOS group, CI and non-CI subgroup analyses revealed a higher transfer cleavage-stage embryo incidence in the CI group than in the blastocysts group (p=0.001). Moreover, the between-group miscarriage-related gestational age varied significantly (p=0.039). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that cleavage embryo transfer (p= 0.047) was associated with increased CI risk in the PCOS group, besides, increasing the number of transferred embryos did not impact the occurrence of CI in patients with PCOS. CI independently predicted a higher risk of second-trimester abortion in patients with PCOS during the frozen embryo transfer cycle. What's more, increasing the number of transferred embryos did not affect the incidence of CI in the PCOS group.