New Challenges and Perspectives in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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 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 IJMS.

Dr. Jim Parker
Guest Editor

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