Experimental models of polycystic ovary syndrome: An update

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the major endocrine disorders in women. PCOS is a disorder with alterations in the structure as well as functions of female reproductive organs and is also associated with metabolic disorders. Studies on humans have limitations due to ethical issues, hence animal models are used to understand the different aspects of PCOS. Animal models of PCOS aids in studying various facts beginning from etiology to the treatment, hence, several animal models have been developed. Despite of the establishment of several models and a number of studies on PCOS, lacunae exist. This may be due to the failure in selecting a suitable animal model, as all animal models may not exhibit all the key features of the human PCOS condition or may exhibit traits similar to other diseased conditions in addition to the PCOS which should be excluded. Therefore, in this review, we have discussed the different animal models, features they exhibit, their merits and limitations which may aid in the selection of the relevant animal model of PCOS based upon the investigation's focus. In addition, a few nonmammalian models as an alternative to mammalian models have also been discussed which is to be validated further.

Keywords: Animal model; Hyperandrogenism; In vitro models; Oligomenorrhea; PCOS.