Ovarian and Extra-Ovarian Mediators in the Development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. The origin of PCOS is still not clear and appears to be a function of gene x environment interactions. This review addresses the current knowledge of the genetic and developmental contributions to the etiology of PCOS, the ovarian and extra-ovarian mediators of PCOS and the gaps and key challenges that need to be addressed in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of PCOS.

Figure 1:

Schematic showing the stages of follicular development in normal ovary.

Figure 2:

Schematic showing directionality of changes in factors contributing to disruptions in the follicular activation/recruitment in PCOS women and animal models of PCOS.

Figure 3:

Schematic showing directionality of changes in factors contributing to follicular persistence in PCOS women and animal models of PCOS.

Figure 4:

Schematic showing extra-ovarian factors contributing to ovarian disruptions in PCOS women and animal models of PCOS. Images used in this figure were sourced from www.pixabay.com, www.publicdomainvectors.org, commons.wikimedia.org and www.openclipart.org.