Cardiovascular Risk in Women With PCOS

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a common endocrine disorder defined by two of the three following features: i) oligoovulation or anovulation, ii) clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, or iii) polycystic ovaries, once the related endocrinological and gynaecological disorders have been excluded. PCOS does not exclusively involve the reproductive apparatus , it has a complex number of systemic relevancy symptoms. It leads to Metabolic Syndrome, with severe consequences on the cardiovascular apparatus. Many clinical studies have underlined the connection between PCOS and the cardiovascular risk profile of such female patients, due to a lipid/glucose altered metabolism, hypertension, systemic inflammatory condition (assessable by markers such as VES, TNF-alfa, citokines and C-reactive protein (hsPCR) levels), and vascular injuries. Considering the early onset of the disease, PCOS could be considered as a real cardiovascular risk factor which affects the quality of life seriously. The current review aimed to point out the main connections between PCOS and cardiovascular risk factors according to the latest findings coming from literature data analysis, and try to depict the great influences that such a common disease can have on the patients’ health integrity.

Selenium Supplementation and the Effects on Reproductive Outcomes, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

“…In addition, due to increased production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) [4], elevated circulating protein carbonyls, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and decreased insulin signaling [5,6], it is associated with increased biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Increased inflammatory factors and biomarkers of oxidative stress among patients with PCOS may predict the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [7][8][9]. Recent studies have reported that the use of insulin-sensitizing drugs including metformin, rosiglitazone, and pioglitazone improves ovulation by improving clinical and biochemical features of patients diagnosed with PCOS [10].…”

Leutinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor and follicle stimulating hormone receptor gene variants in polycystic ovary syndrome

“…PCOS is associated with obesity, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes [1,4], and cardiovascular disease [2,5]. PCOS is a complex disorder, and both environmental and genetic factors contribute to its pathogenesis.…”

Efficacy of a Nutritional Supplement, Standardized in Fatty Acids and Phytosterols, on Hair Loss and Hair Health in both Women and Men

“…ii) Female pattern hair loss (FPHL), a diffuse reduction in hair density which affects the crown and the frontal scalp, frequently observed after puberty and affecting up to 50% of women over 50 [4][5][6]. iii) Telogen effluvium (TE), an intense hair shedding and diffuse thinning of hair on the scalp, usually incurring after pregnancy, stressing conditions, surgery or hormonal changes [1].…”