Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.1
4.9
Journals
IJMS
Special Issues
New Challenges and Perspectives in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
ijms-logo
Submit to IJMS Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

New Challenges and Perspectives in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 September 2024) | Viewed by 10194

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jim Parker

E-Mail
Guest Editor
School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
Interests: polycystic ovary syndrome; evolutionary origins; developmental origins; pathogenesis; microbiome; pathophysiology; epigenetics; nutritional biochemistry; pregnancy complications; lifestyle management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is clear from various strands of evidence that there are a number of new perspectives and challenges that have emerged in understanding the biological nature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is increasingly being viewed as an evolutionary mismatch disorder that arises following exposure to nutritional and environmental factors related to contemporary lifestyle. This is reflected in comprehensive international guidelines that recommend lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, for all women diagnosed with PCOS. Over the past 20 years, many areas of PCOS research have undergone paradigm shifts that have changed the way we view the nature, impact, and progression of PCOS. There is now greater emphasis on the metabolic consequences of lifestyle on symptoms and disease progression, in addition to the endocrine and reproductive consequences. There is increased awareness of the risk of pregnancy complications (miscarriage, implantation failure, gestational diabetes, preterm labour, fetal growth restriction, and pre-eclampsia), and a paradigm shift in our understanding of the importance of endometrial pathophysiology (being investigated in the developing field of endometrial organoids). There is a new appreciation that the prevention of many of the consequences of PCOS is feasible, using lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy.

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences is inviting submissions on new perspectives and challenges in PCOS research in order to highlight innovations that can be of benefit in both clinical practice and research settings. This includes research on genetics, epigenetics, developmental origins of PCOS, endocrine disrupting chemicals, emerging models of the pathogenesis (including the role of the microbiome), increased molecular understanding of the pathophysiology (highlighting the central role of chronic systemic inflammation and insulin resistance), nutritional biochemistry, new terminology for PCOS, and lifestyle interventions. We welcome the submission of state-of-the-art and critical reviews, as well as original works related to the above research topics, or other areas that identify new perspectives and challenges in PCOS.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in JCM.

Dr. Jim Parker
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • polycystic ovary syndrome
  • evolutionary origins
  • developmental origins
  • pathogenesis
  • pathophysiology
  • microbiome
  • pregnancy complications
  • lifestyle

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 2657 KiB  
Article
GDF-15 and mtDNA Deletions Are Useful Biomarkers of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Insulin Resistance and PCOS
by Vera Varhegyi, Anna Modos, Domonkos Trager, Dora Gerszi, Eszter Maria Horvath, Miklos Sipos, Nandor Acs, Maria Judit Molnar, Szabolcs Varbiro and Aniko Gal
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(20), 10916; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252010916 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 986
Abstract
There is no literature available about the growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) biomarker in combination with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions in insulin resistance (IR), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); however, it would be useful to achieve optimal metabolic status and improve pregnancy success. In [...] Read more.
There is no literature available about the growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) biomarker in combination with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions in insulin resistance (IR), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); however, it would be useful to achieve optimal metabolic status and improve pregnancy success. In this study, the role of GDF-15 and mtDNA deletions as biomarkers in the pathogenesis of IR and PCOS was investigated. In our study, 81 female patients who were treated for IR and/or PCOS and 41 healthy controls were included. GDF-15 levels in patients showed a marked increase compared to controls. Elevated GDF-15 levels were found in 12 patients; all of them had a BMI > 25 kg/m2, which is associated with reactive hyperinsulinemia. The presence of mitochondrial dysfunction was mainly observed in the IR-only subgroup. The increase in plasma levels of GDF-15 and the prevalence of mtDNA deletions is directly proportional to body mass index. The more marked metabolic abnormalities required more intensive drug therapy with a parallel increase in plasma GDF-15 levels. Elevated levels of GDF-15 and the presence of mitochondrial DNA deletions may be a consequence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders in patients and thus a predictor of the process of accelerated aging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges and Perspectives in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 808 KiB  
Article
Impact of Gut Microbiota and SCFAs in the Pathogenesis of PCOS and the Effect of Metformin Therapy
by Evgenii Kukaev, Ekaterina Kirillova, Alisa Tokareva, Elena Rimskaya, Natalia Starodubtseva, Galina Chernukha, Tatiana Priputnevich, Vladimir Frankevich and Gennady Sukhikh
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10636; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910636 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1327
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder that impacts both the endocrine and metabolic systems, often resulting in infertility, obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of intestinal flora and its metabolites, particularly [...] Read more.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder that impacts both the endocrine and metabolic systems, often resulting in infertility, obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of intestinal flora and its metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in the development of PCOS, and to assess the effects of metformin therapy on these components. SCFA levels in fecal and blood samples from women with PCOS (n=69) and healthy controls (n=18) were analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) for precise measurement. Fecal microbiota were quantitatively detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To assess the efficacy of six months of metformin treatment, changes in the microbiota and SCFAs in the PCOS group (n=69) were also evaluated. The results revealed that women with PCOS exhibited a significant reduction in beneficial bacteria (namely, the C. leptum group and Prevotella spp.) alongside a notable overgrowth of opportunistic microorganisms (C. perfringens, C. difficile, Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp.). An overproduction of acetic acid (AA, FC=0.47, p<0.05) and valeric acid (VA, FC=0.54, p<0.05) suggests a link between elevated SCFAs and the development of obesity and PCOS. Interestingly, AA in the bloodstream might offer a protective effect against PCOS by ameliorating key symptoms such as high body mass index (r=−0.33, p=0.02), insulin resistance (r=−0.39, p=0.02), and chronic inflammation. Although serum SCFA levels showed non-significant changes following metformin treatment (p>0.05), the normalization of AA in the gut underscores that metformin exerts a more pronounced effect locally within the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the study identified the most effective model for predicting the success of metformin therapy, based on serum concentrations of butyric acid (BA) and VA, achieving a 91% accuracy rate, 100% sensitivity, and 80% specificity. These promising findings highlight the potential for developing targeted interventions and personalized treatments, ultimately improving clinical outcomes for women with PCOS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges and Perspectives in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 829 KiB  
Article
Exploring Genetic Interactions in Colombian Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Study on SNP-SNP Associations
by Maria Camila Alarcón-Granados, Gloria Eugenia Camargo-Villalba and Maribel Forero-Castro
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9212; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179212 - 25 Aug 2024
Viewed by 799
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder with high prevalence in women around the world. The identification of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) through genome-wide association studies has classified it as a polygenic disease. Most studies have independently evaluated the contribution of [...] Read more.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder with high prevalence in women around the world. The identification of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) through genome-wide association studies has classified it as a polygenic disease. Most studies have independently evaluated the contribution of each SNP to the risk of PCOS. Few studies have assessed the effect of epistasis among the identified SNPs. Therefore, this exploratory study aimed to evaluate the interaction of 27 SNPs identified as risk candidates and their contribution to the pathogenesis of PCOS. The study population included 49 control women and 49 women with PCOS with a normal BMI. Genotyping was carried out through the MassARRAY iPLEX single-nucleotide polymorphism typing platform. Using the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method, the interaction between SNPs was evaluated. The analysis showed that the best interaction model (p < 0.0001) was composed of three loci (rs11692782-FSHR, rs2268361-FSHR, and rs4784165-TOX3). Furthermore, a tendency towards synergy was evident between rs2268361 and the SNPs rs7371084–rs11692782–rs4784165, as well as a redundancy in rs7371084–rs11692782–rs4784165. This pilot study suggests that epistasis may influence PCOS pathophysiology. Large-scale analysis is needed to deepen our understanding of its impact on this complex syndrome affecting thousands of women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges and Perspectives in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2438 KiB  
Article
Dysfunction of Human Estrogen Signaling as a Novel Molecular Signature of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
by Clémentine Marie, Alice Pierre, Anne Mayeur, Frank Giton, Raphael Corre, Michaël Grynberg, Joëlle Cohen-Tannoudji, Céline J. Guigon and Stéphanie Chauvin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(23), 16689; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242316689 - 24 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2170
Abstract
Estradiol (E2) is a major hormone-controlling folliculogenesis whose dysfunction may participate in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) infertility. To determine whether both the concentration and action of E2 could be impaired in non-hyperandrogenic overweight PCOS women, we isolated granulosa cells (GCs) and follicular fluid [...] Read more.
Estradiol (E2) is a major hormone-controlling folliculogenesis whose dysfunction may participate in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) infertility. To determine whether both the concentration and action of E2 could be impaired in non-hyperandrogenic overweight PCOS women, we isolated granulosa cells (GCs) and follicular fluid (FF) from follicles of women undergoing ovarian stimulation (27 with PCOS, and 54 without PCOS). An analysis of the transcript abundance of 16 genes in GCs showed that androgen and progesterone receptor expressions were significantly increased in GCs of PCOS (by 2.7-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively), while those of the steroidogenic enzymes CYP11A1 and HSD3B2 were down-regulated (by 56% and 38%, respectively). Remarkably, treatment of GC cultures with E2 revealed its ineffectiveness in regulating the expression of several key endocrine genes (e.g., GREB1 or BCL2) in PCOS. Additionally, a comparison of the steroid concentrations (measured by GC/MS) in GCs with those in FF of matched follicles demonstrated that the significant decline in the E2 concentration (by 23%) in PCOS FF was not the result of the E2 biosynthesis reduction. Overall, our study provides novel hallmarks of PCOS by highlighting the ineffective E2 signaling in GCs as well as the dysregulation in the expression of genes involved in follicular growth, which may contribute to aberrant folliculogenesis in non-hyperandrogenic women with PCOS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges and Perspectives in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 902 KiB  
Review
Implantation and Decidualization in PCOS: Unraveling the Complexities of Pregnancy
by Satoko Matsuyama, Sarah Whiteside and Shu-Yun Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 1203; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25021203 - 18 Jan 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3611
Abstract
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting 5–15% globally with a large proportion undiagnosed. This review explores the multifaceted nature of PCOS and its impact on pregnancy, including challenges in fertility due to hormonal imbalances [...] Read more.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting 5–15% globally with a large proportion undiagnosed. This review explores the multifaceted nature of PCOS and its impact on pregnancy, including challenges in fertility due to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. Despite restoring ovulation pharmacologically, women with PCOS face lower pregnancy rates and higher risks of implantation failure and miscarriage. Our review focuses on the complexities of hormonal and metabolic imbalances that impair endometrial receptivity and decidualization in PCOS. Disrupted estrogen signaling, reduced integrity of endometrial epithelial tight junctions, and insulin resistance impair the window of endometrial receptivity. Furthermore, progesterone resistance adversely affects decidualization. Our review also examines the roles of various immune cells and inflammatory processes in the endometrium, contributing to the condition’s reproductive challenges. Lastly, we discuss the use of rodent models in understanding PCOS, particularly those induced by hormonal interventions, offering insights into the syndrome’s impact on pregnancy and potential treatments. This comprehensive review underscores the need for advanced understanding and treatment strategies to address the reproductive complications associated with PCOS, emphasizing its intricate interplay of hormonal, metabolic, and immune factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges and Perspectives in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop