Study of Burden in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome at Global, Regional, and National Levels from 1990 to 2019

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): A Mini-Review of Lipid Profile, Blood Glucose, and Ovarian Histological Improvements

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women that is characterized by fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries and various symptoms, including high androgen levels, endometrial irregularities, and cysts. Although the main cause of PCOS remains unknown, it has been linked to genetic, endocrine, and metabolic factors, and there are several treatment options, including lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery. Natural products such as medicinal plants and fruits are being explored as potential treatments for PCOS because of their bioactive compounds with pharmacological effects related to antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. Some of these compounds improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and enhance glucose metabolism, thereby benefiting patients with PCOS. This mini-review examined the effects of natural products on PCOS, including their effects on ovarian histological changes, blood glucose, sex hormones, and lipid profiles, based on animal and human studies. This study suggests that the use of natural products as complementary medicines can be a promising resource for the development of effective therapeutics for PCOS; however, further research is needed to fully understand their benefits.

Significant alteration of protein profiles in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder, affecting women of child-bearing age, and the incidence rate is growing and assuming epidemic proportions. The etiology of PCOS remains unknown and there is no cure. Some animal models for PCOS have been established which have enhanced our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, but omics data for revealing PCOS pathogenesis and for drug discovery are still lacking. In the present study, proteomics analysis was used to construct a protein profile of the ovaries in a PCOS mouse model. The result showed a clear difference in protein profile between the PCOS and control group, with 495 upregulated proteins and 404 downregulated proteins in the PCOS group. The GO term and KEGG pathway analyses of differentially expressed proteins mainly showed involvement in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and immune response, which are consistent with pathological characteristics of PCOS in terms of abnormal metabolism, endocrine disorders, chronic inflammation and imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant levels. Also, we found that inflammatory responses were activated in the PCOS ovarium, while lipid biosynthetic process peroxisome, and bile secretion were inhibited. In addition, we found some alteration in unexpected pathways, such as glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, which should be investigated. The present study makes an important contribution to the current lack of PCOS ovarian proteomic data and provides an important reference for research and development of effective drugs and treatments for PCOS.