To compare 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) between women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovulatory controls, and to explore potential anthropometric, hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory correlates of ABP in women with PCOS. In this cross-sectional study, 50 women with PCOS (diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria) and 50 ovulatory controls underwent office and 24-hour ABP monitoring. Clinical, anthropometric, hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters were assessed. Between-group comparisons were adjusted for body mass index (BMI). LASSO regression was used to identify variables independently associated with ABP in the PCOS group. Women with PCOS showed significantly higher 24-hour and daytime mean arterial pressure and heart rate compared to controls, even after adjustment for BMI (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in nighttime ABP or office blood pressure (p > 0.05). PCOS participants exhibited a more adverse cardiometabolic profile, including higher BMI, waist circumference, insulin, HbA1c, triglycerides, creatinine, and TNF-alfa, along with lower estradiol and progesterone levels. In LASSO models, BMI emerged as the only consistent independent predictor of ABP across all periods. Additional predictors, such as HbA1c (nighttime mean BP), creatinine (daytime diastolic BP), and waist circumference (daytime systolic BP), were retained in specific models, while most hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory markers were not associated with ABP in the PCOS group. In summary, women with PCOS exhibit higher 24-hour and daytime ABP compared to ovulatory controls, independently of BMI. Adiposity, as assessed by BMI, appears to be a key factor associated with ABP in this population. These findings highlight the importance of 24-hour ABP monitoring and weight management in the cardiovascular risk assessment and care of women with PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and heterogeneous metabolic disorder that affects 6-20% of women of reproductive age. However, research on the lactylation-modified proteome in PCOS remains limited. This study included 30 patients with PCOS and 30 control subjects, all of whom underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection or in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer treatments at the fertility center between October 2022 and May 2023. A 4-dimensional label-free proteomic quantitation method was applied to analyze enzymatically digested peptide fragments of granulosa cell proteins. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for protein identification and quantification. Bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and differentially lactylated proteins identified 1057 DEPs between the two groups. Among these, 478 proteins were upregulated, and 579 were downregulated in the PCOS group. Regarding lactylation modifications, 668 proteins exhibited increased lactylation levels, while 1059 proteins indicated decreased lactylation levels in the PCOS group. Additionally, site-level analysis revealed 1041 upregulated and 2143 downregulated lactylation sites in the PCOS group. This study provides a comprehensive quantitative overview of proteomic and lactylation-modified proteomic expression profiles in granulosa cells from patients with PCOS, offering novel insights into PCOS research. Further research is needed to clarify the specific roles of protein lactylation in PCOS pathogenesis.

Dysregulated expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) TUG1 participates in the etiopathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study analyzed the genetic association of the TUG1 rs5749201 polymorphism in PCOS patients. Genotype and allele distributions of rs5749201 were analyzed in 210 PCOS patients and 230 healthy volunteers. Serum TUG1 levels were detected via qRT-PCR. The relationship between gene polymorphism and PCOS risk was analyzed via multivariate logistic regression. Compared with the control group, the PCOS group had a significantly higher proportion of carriers with TUG1 rs5749201 AA genotype and a lower proportion of TT genotype carriers. Rs5749201 TT genotype carriers had notably reduced PCOS risk. This genetic association was also found in dominant and recessive models, with the locus independently linked to PCOS (OR = 0.427, 95%CI: 0.242-0.753; P = 0.003). AA genotype carriers had higher LDL, TG and FBS than AT/TT genotype carriers. PCOS patients had elevated TUG1 levels, with AA genotype carriers showing the highest. TUG1 rs5749201 was linked to PCOS susceptibility, which is correlated with its regulatory role in TUG1 expression.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age and is often associated with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Evidence on the prevalence of IGT in Iranian women with PCOS is limited. Objectives: This descriptive-analytical study aimed to assess the prevalence of IGT and to compare its frequency between women with and without PCOS referred to the infertility clinic of Ali Ibn Abi Talib Hospital in Zahedan, Iran, during 2019 - 2021. Methods: This prospective case-control study included 280 women, 225 with PCOS and 55 controls. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) values were measured. Data were analyzed using chi-square, t-test, or Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate. Results: The mean age of women with PCOS was 28.75 ± 4.31 years versus 29.34 ± 4.61 in controls (P = 0.367). Although the prevalence of IGT was higher among women with PCOS (32.89%) than among controls (23.64%), this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.184). In contrast, the mean 2-hour post-load glucose level was significantly higher in the PCOS group (130.00 ± 25.57 mg/dL) compared with controls (122.30 ± 23.73 mg/dL; P = 0.038). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated a modest discriminatory ability of the 2-hour post-load glucose value for identifying IGT, with an area under the curve of 0.589 (95% CI: 0.501 - 0.677; P = 0.041). Conclusions: Women with PCOS exhibited higher mean post-load glucose levels compared with controls, although the prevalence of IGT did not differ significantly between groups. Periodic glucose tolerance screening is recommended for early detection of metabolic abnormalities and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Aims: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with an elevated risk of mood disturbances; however, the cognitive mechanisms underlying this relationship remain insufficiently understood. Dysfunctional attitudes (DA) and negative automatic thoughts (NAT), which constitute the core cognitive structures of depression, have not been systematically examined in PCOS populations. This study aimed to investigate the influence of DA and NAT on depressive and anxiety symptoms in women with PCOS compared with healthy controls. Methods: This cross-sectional case–control study included premenopausal women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria and age-matched healthy controls. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS), and the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ). Sociodemographic variables were recorded. Group differences and correlations between cognitive constructs and affective symptoms were analyzed using appropriate statistical procedures. Results: Women with PCOS exhibited significantly higher depression, anxiety, and total HADS scores compared with controls (all p≤0.01). They also demonstrated significantly higher ATQ scores (p=0.03), higher DAS total scores (p=0.025), and higher DAS perfectionism subscale scores (p≤0.01). ATQ were positively correlated with HADS depression, anxiety, and total scores (all p≤0.01). ATQ were also positively associated with both DAS total (p≤0.01) and DAS perfectionism subscale scores (p≤0.01). Similarly, DA showed strong positive correlations with depressive and anxiety symptoms in the PCOS group. Additionally, women with PCOS had significantly higher BMI and lower educational attainment compared with healthy controls, indicating concurrent metabolic and socioeconomic vulnerability. However, no single cognitive variable independently predicted HADS total scores in regression analysis. Conclusion: NAT and DA are markedly elevated in women with PCOS and strongly associated with depressive symptom severity. Along with higher BMI and lower socioeconomic indicators, these cognitive vulnerabilities highlight the need for an integrated biopsychosocial approach. Cognitive distortions may represent modifiable therapeutic targets, underscoring the potential value of CBT-based interventions in this high-risk group.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Clusterin (CLU), a chaperone protein induced by cellular stress and known to play roles in inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism, may be associated with the metabolic abnormalities observed in patients with PCOS. The purpose of this current study is to investigate serum CLU levels and their link with endocrine, biochemical, and metabolic parameters, such as metabolic syndrome, among women with PCOS. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 40 women aged 18–30 with PCOS diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria and 40 age- and BMI-matched healthy controls. Demographic data, Ferriman–Gallwey scores, hormonal and metabolic parameters (including TSH, prolactin, 17-OH progesterone, total testosterone, insulin, AMH, HOMA-IR, and serum CLU levels), and ultrasonographic ovarian morphology were assessed. Statistical analyses, including ROC and logistic regression, were performed. Results: Women with PCOS had higher follicle counts, Ferriman–Gallwey scores, LH/FSH ratios, fasting insulin levels, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure than controls, whereas menstrual cycle frequency and HDL levels were lower (all p < 0.05). Serum CLU concentrations were markedly higher in the PCOS cohort. In the PCOS population, CLU showed positive relationships with the Ferriman–Gallwey score, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and triglycerides, and a negative correlation with HDL. CLU levels were significantly higher in women with metabolic syndrome in the PCOS cohort compared to those without. In logistic regression analysis, CLU, AMH, and the LH/FSH ratio emerged as independent predictors of PCOS. Furthermore, CLU remained an independent predictor of metabolic syndrome in the PCOS cohort. In ROC analysis, CLU demonstrated strong diagnostic efficacy in detecting both PCOS (AUC = 0.834) and metabolic syndrome in patients with PCOS (AUC = 0.804). Conclusions: Our results show that serum CLU is higher in women with PCOS and is associated with the clinical and metabolic features peculiar to patients with PCOS. CLU was found to distinguish between patients with PCOS and healthy women and demonstrated a strong association with the presence of metabolic syndrome within the PCOS group. Overall, these findings suggest that CLU may be a valuable auxiliary biomarker for detecting women with PCOS at risk for metabolic disturbances.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: Long-term effects on fertility and uterine lesions.

White kidney bean extract improves letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats by regulating the Wnt signaling pathway.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by reproductive and metabolic dysfunction that may also impact bone metabolism and its structural integrity. This study aims to assess the progressive impact of PCOS on bone health over time. It focuses on how the duration of the condition influences hormonal profiles, bone metabolism, and bone's microstructural and mechanical properties in the PCOS-induced mice model. Female BALB/c mice were separated into three groups, each further subdivided into PCOS-induced and age-matched control groups. PCOS was induced by letrozole (6 mg/kg b.w.) administered continuously for 21 days; among them, group II underwent a one-month observation period, while group III was observed for two months. Bone quality markers were assessed through hormonal profiling, serum bone turnover markers, micro-CT, three-point bending test, nanoindentation, and FTIR. Hormonal profiling revealed persistent hyperandrogenism, elevated luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio, reduced estrogen levels, and insulin resistance collectively affected bone health. Micro-CT analysis showed a decline in trabecular quality in the femur and tibia of the PCOS group. Three-point bending test pointed toward increased susceptibility to micro-damage and fracture. Nanoindentation indices, elasticity, and hardness were also decreased. FTIR analysis indicates alterations in bone material properties. These indices showed a slight improvement in the third month but deviated significantly from control. Our results suggest that PCOS has an adverse impact on bone's structural, mechanical, and compositional properties, and the negative impact of PCOS on skeletal integrity is not fully reversible in the short term. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of evaluating and monitoring bone health in PCOS individuals.

Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk due to metabolic derangements. Although obesity contributes to CVD, the independent contribution of PCOS remains controversial. This study aimed to compare insulin resistance (IR) and atherogenic lipid indices across body mass index (BMI) categories within PCOS, to evaluate the diagnostic performance of atherogenic indices between non-obese PCOS and healthy controls, and to derive exploratory, data-driven thresholds that may inform cardiovascular risk assessment in non-obese PCOS. Methods: This single-center case-control study enrolled 65 treatment-naïve women newly diagnosed with PCOS (Rotterdam criteria 2003) and 100 age-matched healthy controls. A panel of IR and composite atherogenic lipid indices (e.g., Lipid Accumulation Product [LAP], Visceral Adiposity Index [VAI], Triglyceride-Glucose [TyG] Index) was compared between groups. Results: Within PCOS, atherogenic lipid indices were similar in obese versus non-obese subgroups. Non-obese PCOS demonstrated significantly higher atherogenic lipid and IR indices compared to controls (all P&amp;lt;0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified LAP (Area under the curve [AUC] =0.747, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.647-0.844, threshold=18.05), VAI (AUC=0.707, 95% CI: 0.605-0.811, threshold=1.15), and TyG (AUC=0.701, 95% CI: 0.583-0.814, threshold=8.29) as the three best indices distinguishing non-obese PCOS from healthy controls. Conclusions: Elevated atherogenic lipid and IR indices in non-obese PCOS compared to non-obese controls, alongside similar atherogenic markers between obese and non-obese PCOS groups are consistent with the notion that PCOS may independently contribute to atherogenesis beyond obesity-related mechanisms. In this exploratory analysis, data-driven thresholds for LAP, VAI and TyG were identified in non-obese PCOS. These values require external validation in larger, multi-center cohorts before they can be considered for routine CVD risk screening or monitoring.

The effects of conditioned medium (CM) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJMSCs) onin vitromaturation (IVM) of immature oocytes in both normal and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-induced mice were investigated. PCOS was induced in adult female NMRI mice by administering letrozole (90 μg/kg/day) via gavage for one week. Germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes were collected from both PCOS-induced and normal mice, while mature oocytes (MII) were obtained from superovulated normal mice to serve as controls. The experimental groups included 7 groups:Control (MII oocytes),3 IVM groups (in vitro maturation of GV oocytes): IVM (with simple IVM media), IVM + CM, and IVM + EVs (IVM media supplemented with CM and EVs, respectively), and three PCOS groups (in vitro maturation of GV oocytes from PCOS-induced mice): PCOS IVM (with simple IVM media),PCOS IVM + CM, and PCOS IVM + EVs (IVM media supplemented with CM and EVs, respectively). After IVM was conducted in all groups, mature oocytes were harvested and assessed for maturation rate, morphology, viability, and gene expression profiles of key regulators (CDK1,CCNB1,MAP2K). Developmentally competent oocytes were selected using Brilliant Cresyl Blue staining and then subjected to in vitro maturation with or without CM or EVs supplementation. Nuclear maturation was evaluated via orcein staining, while viability was assessed using Trypan Blue. Morphometric parameters were measured using ImageJ software. Real-time PCR was utilized for the evaluation of gene expression of targeted genes. Results demonstrated that in BCB + oocytes, CM and EVs improved the mature oocytes compared to IVM. Oocytes from PCOS-induced mice exhibited reduced maturation and increased degeneration, which were rescued by CM and EV treatment. Gene expression analysis revealed downregulation ofMAP2K,CCNB1, andCDK1in IVM and PCOS IVM groups compared to the control group, while CM supplementation restored their expression. Oocyte diameter and viability were significantly enhanced in IVM + CM compared to IVM (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that hWJMSC-derived secretomes, particularly CM, enhance oocyte maturation and quality, offering potential therapeutic benefits for IVM in both normal and PCOS conditions.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) adversely affects endometrial receptivity and fertility outcomes. This study investigated whether combining high-dose antioxidants (astaxanthin or omega-3 fatty acids) with metformin improves endometrial receptivity markers, reduces oxidative stress, and normalizes hormone profiles in a PCOS rat model compared to metformin alone or no treatment. Fifty-six female Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250g) were divided into seven groups: Control, PCOS, PCOS + Met, and groups receiving metformin plus either astaxanthin (PCOS + Met + AX5 or PCOS + Met + AX10) or omega-3 (PCOS + Met + OMG400 or PCOS + Met + OMG1000). PCOS was induced using letrozole for 21 days, followed by one week of treatment. After establishing endometrial receptivity, uterine tissues were analyzed histopathologically, immunohistochemically, and biochemically on day 5. The PCOS group demonstrated significant increases in body weight and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde) compared to controls (p < 0.001). High-dose antioxidant supplementation (PCOS + Met + AX10 and PCOS + Met + OMG1000) significantly improved these parameters (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemically, integrin β3 expression increased while mucin 1 (MUC-1) decreased in high-dose groups compared to PCOS (p < 0.001). The LH:FSH ratio normalized to control levels in PCOS + Met + AX10 and PCOS + Met + OMG1000 groups. Histological examination revealed enhanced endometrial morphology and increased pinopode-like structure formation in antioxidant-supplemented groups. High-dose astaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, combined with metformin, may enhance endometrial receptivity in PCOS by reducing oxidative stress and modulating key implantation markers. This therapeutic approach could potentially improve fertility outcomes in women with PCOS.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent proinflammatory condition. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid obtained through the diet, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to compare DHA concentrations in serum and cervical mucus between women with PCOS and healthy controls. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 42 women with PCOS and 42 healthy controls aged 18–40 years. Anthropometric measurements, fasting metabolic and hormonal profiles were obtained, and paired serum and cervical mucus samples collected on midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle were analyzed for DHA concentrations using ELISA. Results: Serum DHA levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group compared with controls (304.50 [167.75–593.00] vs. 168.50 [105.25–312.75] ng/L; median difference of 136.0 ng/L [95% CI: 18.46–284.50]; p = 0.015). Cervical mucus DHA levels tended to be lower in the PCOS group (189.50 [168.75–240.25] vs. 220.00 [189.50–241.75] ng/L; median difference of −30.50 ng/L [95% CI: −63.01 to −12.00]; p = 0.098). The serum-to-cervical mucus DHA ratio was significantly higher in the PCOS group (1.65 [0.85–2.83] vs. 0.80 [0.52–1.93]; median difference of 0.85 [95% CI: 0.10–1.60]; p = 0.002). Conclusions: Women with PCOS exhibited significantly elevated serum DHA levels and serum to cervical mucus DHA ratios compared to healthy controls, while cervical mucus DHA levels were similar between groups. The higher serum DHA and comparatively lower cervical mucus DHA in PCOS patients may indicate impaired DHA metabolism, slower metabolic processing, or reduced utilization of its active mediators. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine DHA levels in both serum and cervical mucus in PCOS, highlighting the need for further large-scale studies.

This study aims to investigate gut microbiota and metabolomes of fecal, cecum, serum, and ovarian tissues in a DHEA-induced rat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) model and explore the gut–ovary axis in PCOS pathogenesis. Rats were treated with DHEA or sesame oil to create PCOS and Control groups. The PCOS model was confirmed by ovarian morphology, estrous cycle, and serum hormone levels (FSH, LH, and E2). Stool, serum, cecum, and ovarian tissues underwent untargeted metabolomic analysis, and gut microbiota were assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were analyzed using KEGG function and pathway enrichment analyses. Pearson’s correlation analysis between DEMs and gut microbiota was performed. RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses determined intestinal integrity markers. Western blotting validated key pathways. DHEA treatment induced PCOS in rats as indicated by hormonal imbalances, ovarian histopathological changes, and estrous cycle disruption. PCOS rats exhibited increased alpha diversity and beta-diversity in gut microbiota and gut microbial community compositions, indicating dysbiosis. PCOS group fecal, cecal, serum, and ovarian metabolic phenotypes differed significantly from those of the control group. KEGG function and pathway enrichment analysis of DEMs indicated that all PCOS group sample types exhibited steroid hormone and lipid metabolism disturbances. DEMs in fecal, cecal, serum, and ovarian samples were closely correlated with differential gut microbiota and serum hormones relevant to PCOS. Expression levels of CLDN3 and Occludin that are involved in intestinal integrity were altered, and protein expression levels of Cyp4b1 and 3B-HSD that are involved in ovarian steroid hormone metabolism were disordered. DHEA-induced PCOS rats exhibited significant microbiota and metabolomes disruptions, particularly in the steroid, lipid, and amino acid pathways. Key metabolites (17α-Hydroxyprogesterone, Ethyltestosterone, and Pregnenolone) were closely linked to PCOS-related hormones and altered microbiota such as Bacillus and Akkermansia. These findings suggest the potential involvement of the gut–ovary axis in PCOS development.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-30862-0.

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age and is associated with various hormonal and metabolic complications.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the association between PCOS and fibrocystic breast disease (FBD) and to analyze the prevalence of FBD across different PCOS phenotypes.Materials and MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, data of 120 women diagnosed with either FBD or PCOS who referred to Kamali hospital, affiliated with Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran from March 2024-March 2025 were extracted from their medical records. Participants were divided into 2 groups: PCOS (n = 65) and control (n = 55). The prevalence of FBD was compared between the PCOS and control groups. Furthermore, the distribution of FBD across different PCOS phenotypes (A-D) based on the Rotterdam criteria was analyzed. Hormonal profiles (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, anti-Müllerian hormone) and metabolic parameters were also compared between the groups.ResultsThe prevalence of FBD was significantly higher in the PCOS group compared to the control group (58.3% vs. 30%; p = 0.003). The highest prevalence of FBD was observed in phenotype A (81.8%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that having PCOS increased the risk of developing FBD by more than 3 times (odds ratio = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.51–6.45). Levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone were significantly elevated in the PCOS group.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that PCOS, particularly in phenotypes associated with hyperandrogenism and anovulation, is significantly associated with an increased prevalence of FBD. These results underscore the importance of breast health screening and monitoring in women with PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has various causes that are largely unknown. The present study was aimed to evaluate metabolic and biochemical markers as well as body mass index (BMI) related to PCOS among two groups including patients and healthy controls. A case-control study included women younger than 45 years who did not suffer from obesity. Women with male-factor infertility served as the control group, while patients detected with PCOS via the Rotterdam criteria made up the case group. There were 86 randomly selected participants in each group. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profiles, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and other biochemical tests were gathered with demographic data, medical records, physical exams and anthropometric measurements. Ultrasound, liver enzyme levels and medical history were utilized to diagnose non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). About 172 women were selected for the research; 86 had PCOS, while the remaining 86 were healthy controls. A younger mean age and a higher BMI were found in women with PCOS. The findings showed that mild to moderate fatty liver was more prevalent in the PCOS group than the control one (P = 0.04). Although metabolic indices, liver enzymes, hematologic parameters and hormone levels did not alter significantly, the PCOS group had lower fasting blood sugar levels (P = 0.029). The correlation between total cholesterol and PCOS was still poor after adjusting for age in logistic regression analysis. Still, it became statistically insignificant after adjusting for BMI index. Non-obese women with PCOS had a higher prevalence of fatty liver, with minor differences in metabolic parameters, and BMI partly mediated these associations.

Impaired central neuropeptide production is implicated in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to determine whether plasma phoenixin-14, galanin (GAL), galanin-like peptide (GALP), and spexin levels in women with PCOS were altered compared to those in non-PCOS controls. Sixty participants, including 30 patients diagnosed with PCOS and 30 healthy controls, were enrolled in this study. Phoenixin-14, GAL, GALP, and spexin levels were measured in plasma samples. Although plasma phoenixin-14 levels in the PCOS group were significantly higher than those in the control group, spexin and GAL levels were significantly lower. No significant intergroup differences were observed in plasma GALP levels (p = 0.442). To distinguish PCOS from healthy controls, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC)curve (AUC) of phoenixin-14 was 0.798, that of spexin was 0.757, and that of GAL was 0.702 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively). The AUC of the combined diagnostic value of the three peptides for PCOS was 0.910 (95%CI: 0.808-0.968) (p < 0.001), indicating a good diagnostic value. Plasma phoenixin-14, spexin, and GAL levels differed between patients with PCOS and controls. When combined, the three peptides exhibited better predictive performance than the individual peptides.

Effects of combined oral contraceptives on steroids and lipidomics in newborns of mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Evaluation of ovarian microvascular structure in PCOS patients based on high-resolution ultrasound imaging technology.

ABSTRACTBackgroundDickkopf1 (DKK1) is a protein with established links to metabolic diseases. However, its association with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance (IR) remains ambiguous.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study involving 300 participants, including 100 healthy women, 100 women with PCOS, and 100 individuals with IR. Protein interactions with DKK1 were identified using the STRING database, followed by KEGG and GO analyses to explore enriched biological processes. Serum DKK1 and Adipoq levels were measured using ELISA kits. The hepatic DKK1 was detected by western blotting.ResultsBoth IR and PCOS groups showed significantly higher serum DKK1 levels and lower Adipoq levels compared to controls. Serum DKK1 levels positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), waist‐hip ratio (WHR), body fat percentage (FAT%), systolic blood pressure (SBP), triglycerides (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FIns), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Adipoq levels negatively correlated with glucose disposal rate (M‐value). Multiple regression analysis showed that BMI and Adipoq were independent factors affecting DKK1. Multiple stepwise regressions indicated that DKK1 is a risk factor for IR and PCOS. In the euglycemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC) test, serum DKK1 levels increased in the PCOS patients and decreased in the IR patients at 30 min and returned to baseline at 60 min.ConclusionsElevated DKK1 levels are strongly associated with PCOS and IR, suggesting a potential role in their development. This insight paves the way for further investigations into the role of DKK1 in PCOS and IR.