Search Results (565)

Background/Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age characterized by insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances. Recent research suggests that probiotics and synbiotics may improve these parameters by modulating the gut microbiota. This study systematically reviewed randomized clinical trials evaluating the impact of probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation on insulin resistance and hormonal parameters in women with PCOS. Methods: Exhaustive searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, following PRISMA guidelines. Randomized trials assessing supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics for at least 8 weeks in women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria were included. Data on participants, interventions, and outcomes related to insulin resistance and hormones were extracted. Results: Eleven studies from Iran involving overweight or obese women aged 15 to 48 were included. Probiotic and synbiotic supplementation showed significant improvements in insulin resistance (reductions in HOMA-IR, fasting glucose, and insulin), lipid profiles (decreased LDL and triglycerides; increased HDL), and hormonal balance (increased SHBG, decreased total testosterone). Synbiotics had more pronounced effects than probiotics or prebiotics alone. Adherence was high, and side effects were minimal. Conclusions: Despite promising results, limitations such as small sample sizes, homogeneous populations, and short intervention durations limit the generalization of the findings. Larger, longer, multicenter trials with diverse populations and standardized methodologies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of synbiotics in managing PCOS. Integrating these interventions could improve clinical management and quality of life for affected women, but additional evidence is required to support widespread use. Full article

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a presvalent endocrine disorder affecting women globally, characterized by hormonal imbalance, metabolic disturbances, and reproductive dysfunction. Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation, medical history assessment, physical examination, and laboratory tests, with the Rotterdam criteria being widely used. The pathophysiology of PCOS involves genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and lifestyle influences, with hormonal dysregulation, particularly elevated androgens, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, playing a pivotal role. These mechanisms not only contribute to reproductive and metabolic disturbances but also to the various cutaneous manifestations, such as acne, hirsutism, and alopecia. This review aims to analyze the role of androgens in the dermatological manifestations in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, providing insights into underlying mechanisms and guiding the development of effective therapeutic strategies. By synthesizing available evidence, this review aims to deepen understanding of related dermatological manifestations and improve outcomes for affected individuals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Individuals are turning increasingly towards online resources, such as TikTok, to educate themselves on their medical conditions. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prominent example, as women report dissatisfaction with the diagnosis process and treatment options. This study aims to provide a content analysis of the quality of PCOS health information on TikTok. Methods: A total of 325 TikTok videos were screened. Pertinent data, including likes, comments, shares, and views, along with video content concerning symptoms, interventions, and provider interactions were analyzed. Two reviewers independently used a modified DISCERN criteria to assess the quality of information for each video. A logistic regression was also utilized to model the probability of healthcare professionals creating educational videos. Results: A total of 238 videos met the eligibility criteria for analysis. Videos had a median of 468,400 views (Q1 = 146,400, Q3 = 1,100,000) and 18,000 likes (Q1 = 5631, Q3 = 65,100). The mean modified DISCERN scores were 3.6 ± 0.9 for physicians (n = 23), 2.0 ± 1.1 for non-physician healthcare providers (n = 52), and 1.0 ± 0.2 for non-healthcare professionals (n = 141) (p < 0.001). Healthcare professionals were 10.9 times more likely to create educational videos in comparison to non-healthcare professionals (p < 0.001). Conclusions: TikTok videos related to PCOS attract considerable engagement but provide low-quality information. Most videos were made by non-healthcare professionals, who discussed treatment options with limited or no research. Healthcare providers should be aware of the impacts on patients’ preconceived notions and help to improve patient education. Full article

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the main endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age worldwide. This condition is often associated with various metabolic alterations that contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Recent research suggests that branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) dysregulation is observed in PCOS. This study aims to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns, body composition, metabolic analytes, and serum amino acid levels in Mexican women with PCOS. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, we found that both study groups, PCOS (n = 24) and PCOS + MetS (n = 21), exhibited increased relative fat mass and dietary habits characterized by high simple sugar intake and low protein consumption, correlating with levels of relative fat mass and leptin. Notably, serum concentrations of BCAAs and glutamic acid were significantly elevated in the PCOS + MetS group. Our findings suggest that a metabolic approach may enhance the prediction and management of MetS in women with PCOS, highlighting the importance of dietary interventions in this population. Full article

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. Full article

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have varying difficulties in achieving weight loss by lifestyle intervention, which may depend on adipose tissue metabolism. The objective was to study baseline subcutaneous adipose tissue gene expression as a prediction of weight loss by lifestyle intervention in obese/overweight women with PCOS. This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial where women with PCOS, aged 18–40 and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 were initially randomized to either a 4-month behavioral modification program or minimal intervention according to standard care. Baseline subcutaneous adipose tissue gene expression was related to weight change after the lifestyle intervention. A total of 55 obese/overweight women provided subcutaneous adipose samples at study entry. Weight loss was significant after behavioral modification (−2.2%, p = 0.0014), while there was no significant weight loss in the control group (−1.1%, p = 0.12). In microarray analysis of adipose samples, expression of 40 genes differed significantly between subgroups of those with the greatest weight loss or weight gain. 10 genes were involved in metabolic pathways including glutathione metabolism, gluconeogenesis, and pyruvate metabolism. Results were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in all 55 subjects. Expressions of GSTM5, ANLN, and H3C2 correlated with weight change (R = −0.41, p = 0.002; R = −0.31, p = 0.023 and R = −0.32, p = 0.016, respectively). GSTM5, involved in glutathione metabolism, was the strongest predictor of weight loss, and together with baseline waist-hip ratio (WHR) explained 31% of the variation in body weight change. This study shows that baseline subcutaneous adipose tissue genes play a role for body weight outcome in response to lifestyle intervention in overweight/obese women with PCOS. Full article

Childhood abuse is a significant factor in the development of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and many physical health disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fibromyalgia. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of PCOS and fibromyalgia in women with BPD compared to the general population. Additionally, it compared the prevalence of these conditions in women who experienced different types of childhood abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual). Participants were identified from the Multidisciplinary Alfred Psychiatry research centre’s Women’s Mental Health Clinic database, including 150 women diagnosed with BPD. Clinicians collected information on PCOS, fibromyalgia, and trauma history. Results showed higher rates of PCOS (17.3%) and fibromyalgia (8.7%) in women with BPD compared to general population samples. Emotional abuse was associated with the highest PCOS prevalence (22.8%), while co-occurring physical, sexual, and emotional abuse was linked to the highest fibromyalgia prevalence. These findings highlight the significant prevalence of PCOS and fibromyalgia in women with BPD and their association with childhood abuse. Full article

Polycystic ovary yndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic disorder in women, which is usually associated with insulin resistance (IR) and chronic inflammation. Loureirin B (LrB) can effectively improve insulin resistance and alleviate chronic inflammation, and in order to investigate the therapeutic effect of LrB on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance (PCOS-IR), we conducted animal experiments. A PCOS-IR rat model was established by feeding a high-fat diet combined with letrozole (1 mg/kg·d for 21 days). The rats were treated with the GPR120 agonists TUG-891 and LrB for 4 weeks. Biochemical parameters (fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein), hormone levels (serum insulin, E2, T, LH, and FSH), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18) were analyzed. Histopathological analyses of ovaries were performed using hematoxylin/eosin (H&E) staining. Real-time PCR and western blotting were used to assess GPR120, NLRP3, and caspase-1 expression in ovaries, and immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate LKB1 and AMPK protein expression. LrB reduced body weight, Lee’s index, ovarian index, ovarian area, and volume in PCOS-IR rats. It lowered fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and HOMA-IR. LrB decreased total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels and increased HDL levels. It reduced serum T, LH, and LH/FSH and raised serum E2 and FSH levels. LrB downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3 and Caspase-1, increased the protein and mRNA expression levels of GPR120 in rat ovaries, and increased LKB1 and AMPK protein expression in ovaries, ameliorating ovarian histopathological changes in PCOS-IR rats. Taken together, LrB upregulated GPR120, LKB1, and AMPK protein expression, downregulated NLRP3 and Caspase-1 protein expression, reduced insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, and ameliorated histopathological changes in ovarian tissues in PCOS rats, suggesting its potential as a treatment for PCOS. Full article

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition that affects 8–13% of women of reproductive age. In Kazakhstan, the prevalence of this syndrome is particularly high compared with other countries and the global average. Currently, the diagnosis of PCOS is based on internationally established Rotterdam criteria, using hyperandrogenism as a key parameter. These criteria are applied to diagnose PCOS in all female patients, although obese patients may have excess testosterone produced by adipose tissue. To avoid possible misdiagnosis, an additional criterion, especially for the diagnosis of PCOS in obese women, could be considered. The aim of this study was to identify whether anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) or other biochemical criteria can be used for this purpose. Methods: A total of 138 women were recruited for this study and grouped into control (n = 46), obese subjects without PCOS (n = 67), and obese patients with PCOS (n = 25). The health status, anthropometric parameters, and serum indicators for glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and hormone levels were examined for all subjects. Statistical data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 10 software for interpretation of the data. Results: Serum AMH, testosterone, and LH were positively correlated in obese PCOS patients, while AMH and FSH were negatively correlated. Compared with other biochemical indicators, the serum AMH and testosterone levels in obese PCOS patients were significantly higher than those in non-PCOS patients (regardless of obesity), and AMH was also positively correlated with testosterone. Conclusions: AMH appears to be a reliable criterion in addition to testosterone for the diagnosis of PCOS in obese women. Full article

There is no literature available about the growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) biomarker in combination with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions in insulin resistance (IR), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); however, it would be useful to achieve optimal metabolic status and improve pregnancy success. In this study, the role of GDF-15 and mtDNA deletions as biomarkers in the pathogenesis of IR and PCOS was investigated. In our study, 81 female patients who were treated for IR and/or PCOS and 41 healthy controls were included. GDF-15 levels in patients showed a marked increase compared to controls. Elevated GDF-15 levels were found in 12 patients; all of them had a BMI > 25 kg/m², which is associated with reactive hyperinsulinemia. The presence of mitochondrial dysfunction was mainly observed in the IR-only subgroup. The increase in plasma levels of GDF-15 and the prevalence of mtDNA deletions is directly proportional to body mass index. The more marked metabolic abnormalities required more intensive drug therapy with a parallel increase in plasma GDF-15 levels. Elevated levels of GDF-15 and the presence of mitochondrial DNA deletions may be a consequence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders in patients and thus a predictor of the process of accelerated aging. Full article

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common complex endocrinological condition of women that is associated with infertility and metabolic disorders during the reproductive period. Recently, a great deal of research has focused on the etiopathogenesis of this disorder and the modulation of therapeutic approaches. There are still many controversies in the choice of therapy, and metformin is one of the most commonly used agents in the treatment of PCOS. Considering the link between metabolic disorders and PCOS, glycemic status is crucial in these patients, and sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) represent a potentially promising new therapeutic approach. These drugs have been shown to improve glucose metabolism, reduce adipose tissue, decrease oxidative stress, and protect the cardiovascular system. These data prompted us to investigate the effects of empagliflozin (EMPA) in a PCOS rat model and compare them with the effects of metformin. We confirmed that EMPA positively affects somatometric parameters, glucose and lipid metabolism, and the levels of sex hormones, as well as reduces oxidative stress and improves ovarian function and morphology. Administration of EMPA at doses of 5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, and 45 mg/kg during a 4-week treatment period improved, as induced by estradiol valerate and a high-fat diet, the metabolic and reproductive statuses in a PCOS rat model. The best effects, which were comparable to the effects of metformin, were achieved in groups receiving the middle and highest applied doses of EMPA. These results may prompt further clinical research on the use of EMPA in patients with PCOS. Full article

Background: Recent literature suggests that ferroptosis (FPT) may be a key player in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pathogenesis, but the underlying mechanism(s) remain(s) unclear. Aim: Therefore, herein, we made an effort to reproduce the molecular signature of the syndrome by including FPT and exploring novel drug targets for PCOS. Methods: (a) Our previously constructed PCOS interactions molecular network was extended with the addition of FPT–associated genes (interaction score above 0.7) and (b) gene set enrichment analysis was performed so as to detect over-represented KEGG pathways. Results: The updated interactome includes 140 molecules, 20 of which are predicted/novel, with an interaction score of 7.3, and 12 major hubs. Moreover, we identified 16 over-represented KEGG pathways, with FPT being the most overexpressed pathway. The FPT subnetwork is connected with the PCOS network through KDM1A. Conclusions: FPT cell death is involved in PCOS development, as its major hub TP53 was shown to be the most important hub in the whole PCOS interactome, hence representing a prioritized drug target. Full article

Background: The reproductive age of women is particularly vulnerable to the effects of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). High levels of testosterone and other male hormones are frequent contributors to PCOS. It is believed that miscarriages and ovulation problems are majorly caused by PCOS. A recent study found that 31.3% of Asian women have been afflicted with PCOS. Healing women with life-threatening disorders associated with PCOS requires more research. In prior research, methods have involved autonomously classified PCOS using a number of different machine learning techniques. ML-based approaches involve hand-crafted feature extraction and suffer from low performance issues, which cannot be ignored for the accurate prediction and identification of PCOS. Objective: Hence, predicting PCOS using cutting-edge deep learning methods for automated feature engineering with better performance is the prime focus of this study. Methods: The proposed method suggests three lightweight (LSTM-based, CNN-based, and CNN-LSTM-based) deep learning models, incorporating SMOTE for dataset balancing to obtain a valid performance. Results: The proposed three models tend to offer an accuracy of 92.04%, 96.59%, and 94.31%, an ROC-AUC of 92.0%, 96.6%, and 94.3%, the number of parameters of 6689, 297, and 13285, and a training time of 67.27 s, 10.02 s, and 18.51 s, respectively. In addition, the DeLong test is also performed to compare AUCs to assess the statistical significance of all three models. Among all three models, the SMOTE + CNN models performs better in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, AUC, number of parameters, training time, DeLong’s p-value over the other. Conclusions: Moreover, a performance comparison is also carried out with other state-of-the-art PCOS detection studies and methods, which validates the better performance of the proposed model. Thus, the proposed model provides the greatest performance, which can lead to a reduction in the number of failed pregnancies and help in finding PCOS in the early stages. Full article

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine syndromes affecting women at reproductive age. With increasing knowledge of the role of the microbiota in the pathogenesis of PCOS, new management strategies began to emerge. However, data on the impact of established treatment regimens, such as metformin and oral contraceptive agents, on the gut microbiota composition are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the specificity of the gut microbiota in women with PCOS before and after treatment with oral contraceptives. Methods: We have systematically searched the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The last search was performed on 13 May 2024. We included only full-text original research articles written in English. The risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: The above described search strategy retrieved 46 articles. Additionally, 136 articles were identified and screened through Google Scholar. After removing duplicates, we screened the titles and abstracts, resulting in three eligible articles constituting the final pool. They were published between 2020 and 2022 and are based on three ethnically distinct study populations: Turkish, Spanish and American. The studies included a total of 37 women diagnosed with PCOS and using OCs. Conclusions: OC treatment does not seem to affect the gut microbiota in a significant way in patients with PCOS in short observation. Well-designed randomized controlled studies with adequate, unified sample size are lacking. Full article

Objectives: To determine the effect of short-term metformin administration on follicular fluid (FF) total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) in women with clomiphene citrate-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: Fifty-eight patients aged 23–34 who were planned to have intracytoplasmic sperm injection due to clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOS were included in the study. Participants were divided into two groups according to whether they used metformin or not. While 30 of 58 PCOS patients were using short-term metformin in combination with controlled ovarian stimulation, 28 PCOS patients were not using metformin. Metformin was started in the mid-luteal period and continued until the day before oocyte retrieval at 850 mg twice daily. To determine FF-NF-kB, TAS, TOS and OSI values, a dominant follicle ≥17–18 mm in diameter was selected for aspiration. Results: The number of mature follicles and fertilization rates of the metformin group were significantly higher than those not taking metformin. FF-TOS and OSI of the metformin group were significantly lower than those of the group not receiving metformin. Patients receiving metformin had higher FF-TAS than the group not receiving metformin. FF-NF-kB levels of the metformin group were significantly lower than the group not receiving metformin. Insulin resistance, FF-NF-kB and FF-TOS were negatively correlated with the number of mature oocytes. FF-TAS was positively correlated with the number of oocytes. Conclusions: Short-term metformin treatment in clomiphene-resistant PCOS improves the number of mature follicles and fertilization rates by regulating the intra-follicle redox balance. Full article