Polycystic ovary syndrome, adipose tissue and metabolic syndrome

Purpose Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most
common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive
age and is characterized by ovulatory dysfunction
and/or androgen excess or polycystic ovaries. Women with
PCOS present a number of systemic symptoms in addition
to those related to the reproductive system. It has been
associated with functional derangements in adipose tissue,
metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and an increased risk
of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Methods A detailed literature search on Pubmed was done
for articles about PCOS, adipokines, insulinresistance, and
metabolic syndrome. Original articles, reviews, and metaanalysis
were included.
Results PCOS women are prone to visceral fat hypertrophy
in the presence of androgen excess and the presence of
these conditions is related to insulin resistance and worsens
the PCO phenotype. Disturbed secretion of many adipocyte-
derived substances (adipokines) is associated with
chronic low-grade inflammation and contributes to insulin
resistance. Abdominal obesity and insulin resistance stimulate
ovarian and adrenal androgen production, and may
further increase abdominal obesity and inflammation, thus
creating a vicious cycle.Conclusion The high prevalence of metabolic disorders
mainly related to insulin resistance and CVD risk factors in
women with PCOS highlight the need for early lifestyle
changes for reducing metabolic risks in these patients.