Research advances in the role of inflammatory factors in polycystic ovary syndrome / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

ABSTRACT

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of childbearing age, which features oligo- or anovulation, polycystic ovaries, hyperandrogenism and the related clinical signs, such as acne and hirsutism. At present, PCOS patients are considered to be in a long-time condition of chronic inflammation. It is reported that increased expression of inflammatory factors and/or increased levels of inflammation exist in peripheral blood, granulosa cells, follicular fluid, ovarian stroma, adipocytes and endometrial cells in patients with PCOS. Studies on the role of inflammatory factors in the pathogenesis of PCOS suggest that inflammatory factors may have an influence on the clinical outcome through affecting follicular development, androgen levels and so on.