Genetic variants in central metabolic genes influence some but not all relations of inflammatory markers in a collective with polycystic ovary syndrome

The IL-12 family of heterodimeric cytokines in polycystic ovarian syndrome: biological role in induction, regulation, and treatment

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a diverse endocrine disorder widely recognized as the prevailing metabolic condition among women in their reproductive years. The precise pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PCOS remain incompletely understood. However, existing evidence suggests that the development of PCOS may be linked to factors such as abdominal obesity, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance (IR). Excessive central adiposity in women with PCOS may lead to the development of a chronic, low-grade inflammation characterized by the activation of proinflammatory cytokines. The cytokines that belong to the IL-12 family are a collection of distinct heterodimeric cytokines that include IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, and IL-35. Recent research has provided further evidence regarding the significance of IL-12 cytokines in influencing both innate and adaptive immune responses in different diseases. Additionally, these studies have discovered diverse roles for certain members of the IL-12 family, encompassing multiple immunological functions that can either act as effectors or regulators. In this discourse, we examine the distinctive and atypical structural and functional attributes of this particular cytokine family. This study aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiological significance of the IL-12 family cytokines in PCOS patients. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of the cytokines as novel approaches for PCOS treatment will be proposed.

Expression Patterns and Correlations with Metabolic Markers of Zinc Transporters ZIP14 and ZNT1 in Obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with infertility, increased androgen levels, and insulin resistance. In adipose tissue, zinc facilitates insulin signaling. Circulating zinc levels are altered in obesity, diabetes, and PCOS; and zinc supplementation can ameliorate metabolic disturbances in PCOS. In adipose tissue, expression of zinc influx transporter ZIP14 varies with body mass index (BMI), clinical markers of metabolic syndrome, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG). In this study, we investigated expression levels of ZIP14 and PPARG in subcutaneous adipose tissue of 36 PCOS women (17 lean and 19 obese women) compared with 23 healthy controls (7 lean and 16 obese women). Further, expression levels of zinc transporter ZIP9, a recently identified androgen receptor, and zinc efflux transporter ZNT1 were investigated, alongside lipid profile and markers of glucose metabolism [insulin degrading enzyme, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4)]. We find that ZIP14 expression is reduced in obesity and positively correlates with PPARG expression, which is downregulated with increasing BMI. ZNT1 is upregulated in obesity, and both ZIP14 and ZNT1 expression significantly correlates with clinical markers of altered glucose metabolism. In addition, RBP4 and GLUT4 associate with obesity, but an association with PCOS as such was present only for PPARG and RBP4. ZIP14 and ZNT1 does not relate to clinical androgen status and ZIP9 is unaffected by all parameters investigated. In conclusion, our findings support the existence of a zinc dyshomeostasis in adipose tissue in metabolic disturbances including PCOS-related obesity.

Insulin-like growth factor-II: its role in metabolic and endocrine disease

Insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) is a widely expressed 7·5 kDa mitogenic peptide hormone. Although it is abundant in serum, understanding of its physiological role is limited compared with that of IGF-I. IGF-II regulates foetal development and differentiation, but its role in adults is less well understood. Evidence suggests roles in a number of tissues including skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, bone and ovary. Altered IGF-II expression has been observed in metabolic conditions, notably obesity, diabetes and the polycystic ovary syndrome. This article summarizes what is known about the actions of IGF-II and its dysregulation in metabolic and endocrine diseases. The possible causes and consequences of dysregulation are discussed along with the implications for diagnostic tests and future research.