VEGFA165 can rescue excess steroid secretion, inflammatory markers, and follicle arrest in the ovarian cortex of High A4 cows†.

A population of cows with excess androstenedione (A4; High A4) in follicular fluid, with follicular arrest, granulosa cell dysfunction, and a 17% reduction in calving rate was previously identified. We hypothesized that excess A4 in the ovarian microenvironment caused the follicular arrest in High A4 cows and that vascular endothelial growth factor A would rescue the High A4 phenotype. In trial 1, prior to culture, High A4 ovarian cortex (n = 9) had greater numbers of early stage follicles (primordial) and fewer later-stage follicles compared to controls (n = 11). Culture for 7 days did not relieve this follicular arrest; instead, High A4 ovarian cortex had increased indicators of inflammation, anti-Mullerian hormone, and A4 secretion compared to controls. In trial 2, we tested if vascular endothelial growth factor A isoforms could rescue the High A4 phenotype. High A4 (n = 5) and control (n = 5) ovarian cortex was cultured with (1) PBS, (2) VEGFA165 (50 ng/mL), (3) VEGFA165B (50 ng/mL), or (4) VEGFA165 + VEGFA165B (50 ng/mL each) for 7 days. Follicular progression increased with VEGFA165 in High A4 cows with greater early primary, primary, and secondary follicles than controls. Similar to trial 1, High A4 ovarian cortex secreted greater concentrations of A4 and other steroids and had greater indicators of inflammation compared to controls. However, VEGFA165 rescued steroidogenesis, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. The VEGFA165 and VEGFA165b both reduced IL-13, INFα, and INFß secretion in High A4 cows to control levels. Thus, VEGFA165 may be a potential therapeutic to restore the ovarian steroidogenic microenvironment and may promote folliculogenesis.

A herbal treatment approach for the management of clinical, hormonal and ultrasound parameters in reproductive age group women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.

Around fifteen percent women of reproductive age have been effected by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS); a complicated disorder; and apparently there is no standard therapy available. Considering this lack, we design present work; for the assessment of a herbal medicine (Femitex-SP4) in managing PCOs. During 2016-17; this study was carried out at Abbasi Shaheed hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 150 patients aged between 18-44 years were included as per Rotterdam criteria. Patients received 500 mg of powdered herbs in capsule form twice daily. The primary outcomes were regular menstruation and ovulation plus change in fasting blood sugar levels. Changes in free testosterone levels and ovarian morphology was secondary outcome measures. Continuous outcomes before and after treatment were compared by Student's t-test (one tailed, independent). P = 0.05 was considered as significant. Women menstrual cycle was considerably improved. Fasting blood sugar levels did not change (p=0.103392). Progesterone levels were same at the starting point and after treatment (P=0.318322). With complete recovery in 6 patients; a notable change was found in ovarian size. Free testosterone levels were also dropped significantly (p<0.00001). Our main success was drastic improvement in normalizing menstrual cycle during therapy. Herbal treatment is proven to be clinically effective in most of the patients; particularly PCOs patients with menstrual irregularities. Hence, Femitex-SP4 can be taken as a better treatment for PCOs.

Low risk of OHSS with follitropin delta use in women with different polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes: a retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: To explore the efficacy of follitropin delta in ovarian stimulation of patients with the Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM 2003 phenotypes of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) using a retrospective case series with an electronic file search in a reproductive medicine clinic. CASE PRESENTATION: Seventy-four patients with PCOS undergoing ovarian stimulation according to the individualized dosing algorithm of follitropin delta for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI)/oocyte freezing were included. Follitropin delta resulted in a high number of pre-ovulatory follicles at the end of stimulation as expected in patients with PCOS. There was a large number of oocytes retrieved with an acceptable percentage of metaphase II (MII) oocytes. There were no cases of moderate or severe OHSS across all phenotypes. CONCLUSION: Follitropin delta, using the individualized dosing algorithm, appears to be a safe method of ovarian stimulation with a low risk of OHSS in PCOS patients without sacrificing successful stimulation outcomes.

Oxygen saturation during sleep as a predictor of inflammation in anovulatory women.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the inflammatory profile of premenopausal women with anovulatory cycles, regular menstrual cycles, or using contraceptives, and the associations with sleep and health-related parameters. METHODS: Subjects completed questionnaires including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth sleepiness scale, underwent whole-night polysomnography, and had blood collected for analysis of inflammatory, cardiovascular, and hormonal parameters. Women of reproductive age were categorized into three groups for comparisons: anovulatory menstrual cycles, regular menstrual cycles, and hormonal contraceptive use. RESULTS: Women with anovulatory menstrual cycles (n = 20) had higher circulating levels of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 compared with women who had regular menstrual cycles (n = 191) and those on hormonal contraception (n = 72). No other classical marker of low-grade inflammation was significantly different. Subjective and objective sleep data were similar among groups. However, the mean peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) during sleep was reduced in anovulatory women. The analysis of associated variables of the inflammatory profile demonstrated that mean SpO2 during sleep was a predictive factor of IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that in premenopausal women with anovulation, a proinflammatory condition mediated by IL-6 is associated with lower oxygen levels during sleep. These findings reflect the balance between gynecological status, the immune system, and sleep, pointing to the need to control for these factors in clinical practice and research contexts.

Clinical Implications of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy, affecting as many as 5% to 20% of women of reproductive age, depending on the diagnostic criteria applied. Features of PCOS include physiologic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, elevated luteinizing hormone, and increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse frequency, which often manifest physically as acne and hirsutism. The clinical presentation of PCOS often mimics normal pubertal physiologic development, which may delay diagnosis and treatment of the condition in adolescent girls. A diagnosis of PCOS has life-long implications and is associated with increased risk for infertility, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine carcinoma, metabolic disorder, and cardiovascular disease. In this article, we provide an overview of clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, health consequences, and current evidence-based clinical guidelines for the appropriate diagnosis and management of PCOS in adolescents.

Association of obesity and anovulatory infertility.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association of obesity and infertility related to anovulatory issues. METHODS: This case-control study was carried out with 52 women, aged 20 to 38 years, divided into two groups (infertile - cases - and fertile - control), seen at outpatient clinics, in the period from April to December, 2017. RESULTS: We found significant evidence that obesity negatively affects women's fertility (p=0.017). The group of infertile women was 7.5-fold more likely to be obese than fertile women. CONCLUSION: Strategies that encourage weight control are indicated for women with chronic anovulation, due to hight metabolic activity of adipose tissue.

Association of obesity and anovulatory infertility / Associação entre obesidade e infertilidade anovulatória

ABSTRACT Objective To verify the association of obesity and infertility related to anovulatory issues. Methods This case-control study was carried out with 52 women, aged 20 to 38 years, divided into two groups (infertile − cases − and fertile − control), seen at outpatient clinics, in the period from April to December, 2017. Results We found significant evidence that obesity negatively affects women's fertility (p=0.017). The group of infertile women was 7.5-fold more likely to be obese than fertile women. Conclusion Strategies that encourage weight control are indicated for women with chronic anovulation, due to hight metabolic activity of adipose tissue.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar em mulheres a associação entre obesidade e infertilidade relacionada a questões anovulatórias. Métodos Estudo de caso-controle com 52 mulheres, de 20 a 38 anos, divididas em dois grupos (mulheres inférteis − casos − e férteis − controles), atendidas em ambulatórios, no período de abril a dezembro de 2017. Resultados Verificou-se evidência significativa de que a obesidade afeta negativamente na fertilidade das mulheres (p=0,017). O grupo de mulheres inférteis teve 7,5 vezes mais chances de serem obesas quando comparadas às mulheres férteis. Conclusão Estratégias que estimulem o controle do peso são indicadas para mulheres com anovulação crônica devido à elevada atividade metabólica do tecido adiposo.

Exposure to a Healthy Gut Microbiome Protects Against Reproductive and Metabolic Dysregulation in a PCOS Mouse Model.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting ∼10% to 15% of reproductive-aged women worldwide. Diagnosis requires two of the following: hyperandrogenism, oligo-ovulation or anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. In addition to reproductive dysfunction, many women with PCOS display metabolic abnormalities associated with hyperandrogenism. Recent studies have reported that the gut microbiome is altered in women with PCOS and rodent models of the disorder. However, it is unknown whether the gut microbiome plays a causal role in the development and pathology of PCOS. Given its potential role, we hypothesized that exposure to a healthy gut microbiome would protect against development of PCOS. A cohousing study was performed using a letrozole-induced PCOS mouse model that recapitulates many reproductive and metabolic characteristics of PCOS. Because mice are coprophagic, cohousing results in repeated, noninvasive inoculation of gut microbes in cohoused mice via the fecal-oral route. In contrast to letrozole-treated mice housed together, letrozole mice cohoused with placebo mice showed significant improvement in both reproductive and metabolic PCOS phenotypes. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we also observed that the overall composition of the gut microbiome and the relative abundance of Coprobacillus and Lactobacillus differed in letrozole-treated mice cohoused with placebo mice compared with letrozole mice housed together. These results suggest that dysbiosis of the gut microbiome may play a causal role in PCOS and that modulation of the gut microbiome may be a potential treatment option for PCOS.

Distinctive subpopulations of the intestinal microbiota are present in women with unexplained chronic anovulation.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Do gut microbiota associate with the ovulatory cycle in women showing normogonadotrophic anovulation? In humans, the gut microbiota affects diverse physiological functions and dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) may lead to pathological syndromes. However, there is comparatively little information on the relevance of gut microbiota to reproductive functions in women. Here, a group of women with idiopathic chronic anovulation were examined, who do not exhibit any apparent endocrinological disorder, as they are suitable for investigating the relationship between intestinal bacteria and ovulatory disorders. DESIGN: A prospective observational cohort study was performed on two groups of women who did not exhibit apparent endocrinological disorders but showed either irregular menstrual cycles (IMC group) or normal menstrual cycles (controls). The bacterial composition of faeces from rectal swabs from the women was analysed using next-generation sequencing based on bacterial 16SrRNA genes. RESULTS: A metagenomic analysis indicated that the two groups of women had significant differences in 28 bacterial taxa in their faeces. Prevotella-enriched microbiomes were more abundant in the IMC group, whereas Clostridiales, Ruminococcus and Lachnospiraceae (butyrate-producing bacteria) were present at lower levels in the IMC group. CONCLUSIONS: Distinctive subpopulations of intestinal microbiota were identified in women with unexplained chronic anovulation. The results indicate that gut microbiota could be associated with ovarian functions.

Menstrual Cycle Changes as Women Approach the Final Menses: What Matters?

Increased variability in menstrual cycle length marks the onset of the menopausal transition, with the likelihood of long cycles increasing as women approach menopause. This article describes the STRAW+10 bleeding criteria for recognizing onset of the early and late menopausal transition, as well as the specific bleeding changes a woman may experience during this life stage, including how women's bleeding experiences differ. The high probability of episodes of excessive and prolonged bleeding as women approach their final menstrual period is documented, as is the continuing probability of ovulation as women reach their final menstrual period.

Association of testosterone and antimüllerian hormone with time to pregnancy and pregnancy loss in fecund women attempting pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether higher T and/or antimüllerian hormone (AMH) was associated with anovulation, time to pregnancy (TTP), or pregnancy loss risk among healthy, fecund women without diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study conducted as a secondary analysis from the Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction randomized trial. SETTING: University medical centers. PATIENT(S): A total of 1,198 healthy, eumenorrheic women aged 18-40 years attempting spontaneous pregnancy with one to two prior pregnancy losses were included. Women were categorized by baseline antimüllerian hormone (AMH), as a surrogate marker of antral follicle count, and T concentrations; the highest quartile for each was "high," and below the top quartile (i.e., lower 75% of values) was "norm," forming four groups: norm T/norm AMH (n = 742), norm T/high AMH (n = 156), high T/norm AMH (n = 157), and high T/high AMH (n = 143). INTERVENTION(S): Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Anovulation, pregnancy incidence, TTP, and pregnancy loss incidence. RESULT(S): Women with high T/high AMH had a greater anovulation risk (risk ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.13-2.22) compared with women with norm T/norm AMH, but with imprecise differences in incidence of pregnancy, TTP, or pregnancy loss. CONCLUSION(S): Women with higher T and AMH had more frequent anovulatory cycles but with marginal impacts on TTP or pregnancy loss. A continuum of mild inefficiency in reproductive function may be related to higher T and AMH, including in fecund women with normal menstrual cycles and no clinical diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome, but with unclear effects on fecundability and pregnancy loss. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00467363.

C-Reactive protein in relation to fecundability and anovulation among eumenorrheic women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess systemic inflammation in relation to fecundability and anovulation. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study among participants in the Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction trial who were assigned to the placebo. SETTING: Academic medical centers. PATIENT(S): Healthy eumenorrheic women (n = 572), 18-40 years of age, with one or two pregnancy losses, attempting spontaneous pregnancy. INTERVENTION(S): Baseline serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) values <10 mg/L were categorized into tertiles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Discrete Cox proportional hazards models estimated the fecundability odds ratio (FOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) and adjusted for potential confounders. Log-binomial regression estimated the risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI of anovulation. The algorithm to define anovulation used data on urinary concentrations of hCG, pregnanediol-3-glucuronide, and LH as well as fertility monitor readings. RESULT(S): Higher hsCRP was associated with reduced fecundability but not with an increased risk of anovulation. CONCLUSION(S): Among healthy women attempting pregnancy after one or two pregnancy losses, we found preliminary evidence that systemic inflammation is associated with reduced fecundability, but not independently from adiposity. Sporadic anovulation did not appear to drive this association. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00467363.

Evaluation of three hormonal protocols for anovulatory lactating cows under regulations restricting the use of estrogenic compounds.

When European Union regulations restricted the use of estrogenic compounds in food-producing animals, refined hormonal protocols were no longer applicable for anovulatory cows. However, Ovsynch and its adaptations are routinely and uniformly applied to all cows regardless of ovarian function. To evaluate their efficacy on anovulatory cows, 143, 147 and 144 anovulatory cows received Ovsynch, Presynch and G6G protocols, respectively. In comparison, 150 cyclic cows were bred without using a synchronized protocol. Results showed that cows in the Presynch group had luteolysis responding to the last prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α ) injection greater than the Ovsynch group. The serous progesterone levels at the first gonadotropin-releasing hormone of Ovsych and the last PGF2α injection was greater in the G6G group than the other two hormonal treatment groups. Concentrations of Ca2+ and total protein in cervical mucus in all three hormone-treated groups before artificial insemination (AI) were significantly different from the controls. The G6G group obtained a greater pregnancy rate compared with Ovsynch and Presynch, but significantly less than the controls. For open cows in the Ovsynch group, estrus rate within 24 days after the first AI was significantly less than the controls. In conclusion, the G6G treatment resulted to better reproductive performance in anovulatory cows.

Inositol treatment of anovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomised trials.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common cause of anovulation and infertility, and a risk factor for development of metabolic syndrome and endometrial cancer. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) that evaluated the effects of inositol as an ovulation induction agent. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and ISI conference proceedings, Register and Meta-register for RCT and WHO trials' search portal. We included studies that compared inositol with placebo or other ovulation induction agents. Quality of studies was assessed for risk of bias. Results were pooled using random effects meta-analysis and findings were reported as relative risk or standardised mean differences. We included ten randomised trials. A total of 362 women were on inositol (257 on myo-inositol; 105 on di-chiro-inositol), 179 were on placebo and 60 were on metformin. Inositol was associated with significantly improved ovulation rate (RR 2.3; 95% CI 1.1-4.7; I2 = 75%) and increased frequency of menstrual cycles (RR 6.8; 95% CI 2.8-16.6; I2 = 0%) compared with placebo. One study reported on clinical pregnancy rate with inositol compared with placebo (RR 3.3; 95% CI 0.4-27.1), and one study compared with metformin (RR 1.5; 95% CI 0.7-3.1). No studies evaluated live birth and miscarriage rates. Inositol appears to regulate menstrual cycles, improve ovulation and induce metabolic changes in polycystic ovary syndrome; however, evidence is lacking for pregnancy, miscarriage or live birth. A further, well-designed multicentre trial to address this issue to provide robust evidence of benefit is warranted. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Inositols improve menstrual cycles, ovulation and metabolic changes in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Premenopausal Reproductive Health Modulates Future Cardiovascular Risk - Comparative Evidence from Monkeys and Women.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains the major cause of mortality among postmenopausal women living in industrialized countries. Several lines of evidence suggest that ovarian hormones (especially estrogen) protect the coronary arteries of premenopausal women. However, it is also known that women commonly experience disruptions in cyclic hormonal function during their reproductive years. In this perspective, we hypothesize that if regular, cyclic ovarian function affords protection against CHD, ovulatory abnormalities in young women may conversely promote the development of atherosclerosis (the pathobiological process underlying CHD) in the years prior to menopause and thus substantially increase the risk of subsequent heart disease. This hypothesis is supported by evidence from premenopausal nonhuman primates showing that relatively common, subclinical ovarian disruptions - as may be induced by psychosocial stress - are associated with the initiation and acceleration of coronary artery atherosclerosis. If extending to women, these findings would suggest that ovarian dysfunction is an early biomarker for CHD risk and, further, that primary prevention of CHD should begin during the premenopausal phase of life.

Treatment strategies for women with WHO group II anovulation: systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of alternative first line treatment options for women with WHO group II anovulation wishing to conceive. DESIGN: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, and Embase, up to 11 April 2016. STUDY SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials comparing eight ovulation induction treatments in women with WHO group II anovulation: clomiphene, letrozole, metformin, clomiphene and metformin combined, tamoxifen, gonadotropins, laparoscopic ovarian drilling, and placebo or no treatment. Study quality was measured on the basis of the methodology and categories described in the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook. Pregnancy, defined preferably as clinical pregnancy, was the primary outcome; live birth, ovulation, miscarriage, and multiple pregnancy were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Of 2631 titles and abstracts initially identified, 54 trials reporting on 7173 women were included. All pharmacological treatments were superior to placebo or no intervention in terms of pregnancy and ovulation. Compared with clomiphene alone, both letrozole and the combination of clomiphene and metformin showed higher pregnancy rates (odds ratio 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.33 to 2.14; 1.71, 1.28 to 2.27; respectively). Letrozole led to higher live birth rates when compared with clomiphene alone (1.67, 1.11 to 2.49). Metformin led to lower multiple pregnancy rates compared with clomiphene alone (0.22, 0.05 to 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: In women with WHO group II anovulation, letrozole and the combination of clomiphene and metformin are superior to clomiphene alone in terms of pregnancy. Compared with clomiphene alone, letrozole is the only treatment showing a significantly higher rate of live birth. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42015027579. READERS' NOTE: This is the second version of this paper. The original version was corrected following the retraction of two studies and removal of another which were ineligible (references 40, 41, and 75 of the original paper). These studies are not shown in this version. A tracked changes version of the original version is attached as a supplementary file to the correction notice, which explains the issue further.

Body condition and stage of seasonal anestrus interact to determine the ovulatory response after male biostimulation in anovulatory Criollo × Nubian goats.

The effect of goat nutritional condition on the response to biostimulation with sexually active males during different stages of anestrus was determined. Fifty-eight Criollo × Nubian females on high and low body mass index (BMI) diets were used. Each BMI group was divided into two for biostimulation with sexually active males during May (mid-anestrus) or July (transition period). Ovulatory responses to biostimulation were characterized from serum progesterone, as well as the delay for response (first and second ovulations followed by a normal length luteal phase, O-WNLP). The percentage of goats showing one O-WNLP was greater in the high BMI group than in the low BMI group and greater during the transition period than in the mid-anestrus. However, the interaction between factors revealed that the difference between BMI groups was only significant in the transition period and the difference between stages was only significant in goats with high BMI. Occurrence of a second O-WNLP tended to be greater in the high BMI group than in the low BMI group. Response delay was shorter in the transition period than in mid-anestrus. In conclusion, female nutritional status interacting with the stage of anestrus determined the ovulatory response to male biostimulation in crossbred Criollo goats.

Elevated circulating micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA)-200b and miRNA-429 levels in anovulatory women.

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of micro-RNA (miRNA)-200b and miRNA-429 in human ovulation and to measure their expression levels in ovulatory and anovulatory patients. DESIGN: Micro-RNA-200b and miRNA-429 expression analysis in human serum and granulosa cells at different phases of the ovulation cycle in normal cycling women and women undergoing assisted reproductive technology cycles. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital and academic research laboratory. PATIENT(S): Forty women (7 normally ovulating, 15 normally ovulating with pure male infertility factor, and 18 with polycystic ovary syndrome) were included in this study. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The expression profile of circulating miRNAs and granulosa cells was assessed by means of real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULT(S): We identified miRNA-200b and miRNA-429 in the sera of all women tested. These miRNA expression levels were elevated during the early follicular phase of the cycle compared with serum levels during the early luteal phase. Anovulatory women, diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, expressed significantly higher levels of miRNA-200b and miRNA-429 compared with spontaneously ovulating women. Ovulation induction with exogenous gonadotropins during an IVF cycle reduced these levels to the levels measured in normal ovulating women. CONCLUSION(S): Our findings suggest an involvement of miRNA-200b and miRNA-429 in the pituitary regulation of human ovulation. Although it is unclear whether this altered miRNA expression profile is a cause or a result of anovulation, the levels of these molecules in the serum of anovulatory women may serve as serum biomarkers for the ovulation process.

Comparison of uterine, endometrial and ovarian blood flow by transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound in ovulatory and anovulatory cycles.

OBJECTIVES: Blood flow to uterus and ovaries is demonstrated to be altered during mensturation. Studies has been published stating that blood flow differs also in ovulatory and anovulatory cycles. In this study, using color Doppler ultrasound, we aim to compare uterine, endometrial and ovarian blood flow during ovulatory and anovulatory cycles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Women volunteers who are aged between 18-40 had no endocrinological problem and not recieving exogenous hormone therapy were included to study. Blood levels of FSH, LH, E2, prolactine, DHEAS, free T4 were collected in early follicular phase. Uterina, subendometrial and intraovarian artery blood flow pulsatility and resistance indexes were analysed using Doppler USG technique. Patients were called out to control on 21st of cycle and progesterone levels were analysed. Patients who has ovulation signs in USG and progesterone level above 5 ng/mL were included to ovulatory cycle group. Patient who has no signs of ovulation in ultrasound and has not enough progesterone level were included to anovulatory cycle group. RESULTS: LH and E2 levels were significantly higher in anovulatory patients. No correlation was found between endometrial blood flow resistance and basal E2, prolactine, testosterone levels. However, DHEAS levels were related to endometrial blood flow resistance in anovulatory cycles. No correlation was found between ovarian blood flow resistance/uterine blood flow resistance and basal E2, prolactine, testosterone, DHEAS levels. CONCLUSIONS: There is statistically significant difference between endometrial, ovarian, uterine artery blood flow resistance in ovulatory and anovulatory cycles. Blood flow resistance was found to be increased in anovulatory patients. Increased E2 levels in anovulatory cycles were related to endometrial linethickness and endometrial volume.

PHYSIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY SYMPOSIUM: Insulin action and lipotoxicity in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome: A review.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting women of reproductive age. This disorder is characterized by hyperandrogenism and anovulation and is frequently associated with comorbidities such as infertility, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors. Although the causes of PCOS are unknown, this review focuses on the most accepted theory involving insulin action but will also elaborate on a novel concept: the role of lipotoxicity in the development of androgen overproduction, in addition to its known role in insulin resistance. This review will also shed a spotlight on 2 drugs that target lipotoxicity and are, therefore, known or promising for the treatment of PCOS manifestations: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonists. This paper, therefore, emphasizes the need to further explore the pathophysiology of PCOS and particularly the role of lipotoxicity. Indeed, this new mechanism deserves attention to develop therapeutic approaches that will directly target the root of this condition and not only bandage its associated consequences.