Circulating Galectin-3 levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analysis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by multifactorial and intricate pathogenesis. The discovery of novel markers has been a significant step toward understanding the mechanisms of PCOS. Galectin-3 has emerged as a novel factor in metabolic disorders. This meta-analysis examines the association between circulating Galectin-3 and PCOS. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to identify relevant articles in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. The search covered the period from January 2000 to March 2023 and followed a predefined search strategy. Eight articles were included in the analysis with a total of 594 participants (322 patients with PCOS and 272 controls). Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence interval [CI] were used to evaluate the association between Galectin-3 levels and PCOS. The results indicated a significant association between PCOS and galectin-3 levels (SMD = 0.58; 95 % CI: 0.15-1.01; p = 0.007). In addition, subgroup analysis showed a significant difference in serum Galectin-3 levels in women with PCOS and a higher homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance ratio (SMD = 0.89; 95 % CI: 0.45-1.33; p < 0.001). The researchers also performed meta-regression and subgroup analyses to specify sources of heterogeneity. The results of our meta-analysis suggest an association between increased levels of galectin-3 and PCOS. Galectin-3 plays a significant role in the progression of PCOS and could be used as a novel diagnostic biomarker. Nevertheless, it is essential to perform further studies to confirm and support our conclusions.

Association of Free Radical Product and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that primarily affects women of reproductive age. It is recognized as the leading cause of infertility due to anovulation. This research aims to evaluate the diagnostic potential of oxidative stress biomarkers, including advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA), uric acid (UA), and nitric oxide (NO), in identifying PCOS. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were employed to assess the correlation between free radical product and PCOS. Moreover, the presence of heterogeneity among the studies was assessed utilizing the I2 statistic and Cochran Q test. The methodological rigor of the incorporated studies was assessed through the application of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Furthermore, the presence of publication bias was determined via Begg and Egger tests. RESULTS: This meta-analysis reviewed 38 observational studies, including 17,845 women. The results revealed a significant association between PCOS in women and alterations in free radical levels. The study revealed that the PCOS group had significantly higher levels of AOPP (SMD = 3.193; 95% CI, 2.86 to 3.25), UA (SMD = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.24 to 1.13), and MDA (SMD = 1.16; 95% CI, 0.77 to 1.56) compared to the healthy control group. Furthermore, the analysis found a significantly lower level of NO (SMD = (- 0.59); 95% CI, - 1.15 to - 0.03) in the PCOS patient. CONCLUSION: Screening of specific biomarkers associated with free radical products could provide valuable benefits in the prognosis and diagnosis of PCOS.

Circulating nesfatin-1 levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in females. Nesfatin-1 is a neuropeptide synthesized in the hypothalamus and other peripheral organs, and there are conflicting opinions about its correlation with PCOS. Objective: This study aims to investigate the correlation between nesfatin-1 and PCOS and evaluates the effectiveness of nesfatin-1 as a biomarker for the detection of PCOS in women. Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to identify pertinent articles from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random effects model to compare group outcomes. Additionally, meta-regression and subgroup analysis were performed to elucidate sources of heterogeneity. Results: The meta-analysis involved 12 studies with 1222 participants, and the findings revealed a significant relationship between PCOS and nesfatin-1 levels. The pooled (SMD = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.00-1.07; p = 0.04) indicated a significant difference between the evaluated groups. Moreover, a subgroup analysis showed that there was a substantial difference in nesfatin-1 levels among women with PCOS and higher homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance ratio (SMD = 1.46; 95% CI: 0.92-2.00; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis indicates an association between high nesfatin-1 levels and PCOS. This suggests a potential role of nesfatin-1 in the development of PCOS and proposes it as a potential diagnostic biomarker for the disease. However, further research is necessary to validate these findings.