MicroRNA Crossroads in PCOS and Endometriosis

Abstract

In the intricate landscape of health disorders in women, polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis stand out. Despite their complete etiology being unknown, their impact on women's health and link to hereditary factors have given them the spotlight in the world of gynaecology and endocrinology. These two conditions although vastly different, share common symptoms, clinical manifestations, pathways and genetic and epigenetic factors and regulators [10, 39]. Decoding the link between the two conditions can lead to enormous breakthroughs in the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of gynaecological disorders and possibly aid in the unravelling of unknown mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology of PCOS and endometriosis. MicroRNAs being small and potent regulators of gene expression, are infamous for their role in regulation of mRNA expression and aiding in post transcriptional modifications and their association with gynaecological disorders and impact on the endocrine system, typically the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian axis has garnered an enormous amount of attention. MicroRNAs are known to affect pathways linked to inflammation, immunity, neuroendocrine stress response, fertility, metabolism, environmental response and are actively associated with the clinical manifestations of a plethora of diseases and disorders [37, 49-51]. This comprehensive review showcases the multifaceted roles of microRNAs involved in gynaecological disorders, specifically PCOS and endometriosis, offering avenues for microRNAs as possible therapeutic and diagnostic markers in gynaecological disorders, harnessing their applications to the maximum extent, possibly aiding in betterment of overall health in women.

Keywords: Endometriosis; Gene regulation; MicroRNAs; PCOS; Reproductive disorders; Women’s health.