The interplay between androgens and the immune response in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic-reproductive-endocrine disorder that, while having a genetic component, is known to have a complex multifactorial etiology. As PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion, standardized criteria have been developed for its diagnosis. The general consensus is that hyperandrogenism is the primary feature of PCOS and is associated with an array of physiological dysfunctions; excess androgens, for example, have been correlated with cytokine hypersecretion, adipocyte proliferation, and signaling pathway dysregulation. Another key feature of PCOS is insulin resistance, resulting in aberrant glucose and fatty acid metabolism. Additionally, the immune system plays a key role in PCOS. Hyperandrogenism stimulates some immune cells while it inhibits others, thereby disrupting the normal balance of immune cells and creating a state of chronic inflammation. This low-grade inflammation could contribute to infertility since it induces ovarian dysfunction. This dysregulated immune response in PCOS exhibits autoimmunity characteristics that require further investigation. This review paper examines the relationship between androgens and the immune response and how their malfunction contributes to PCOS.

Therapeutic Potential of Silymarin in Mitigating Paclitaxel-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity: Insights into Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Rats

“…The evidence has shown that ROS activates proinflammatory mediators, such as NF-κB and CRP, subsequently inducing inflammation. 49 CRP has pro- and anti-inflammatory effects during inflammation, complement system activation, and infiltration-suppressing properties. In the study, the serum CRP level and IL-6 and NF-κB immunopositive cells were increased in the liver and kidney tissues of the rats treated with PAX.…”

RISING STARS: Androgens and immune cell function

“…Seventy to eighty percent of women with PCOS have hyperandrogenism ( Baptiste et al 2010 , Huang et al 2010 ), which can have both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on immune cells. Disrupted immune responses and a state of chronic inflammation contribute to ovarian dysfunction in patients with PCOS ( Shabbir et al 2023 ). Few studies to date have investigated the effects of excess androgens on inflammation in women with PCOS.…”

Macrophage: Hidden Criminal in Therapy Resistance

“…Similarly, dietary monounsaturated fatty acids improved liver insulin sensitivity by enhancing the function of M2-like Kupffer cells [ 127 ]. Likewise, M1-like macrophages also contribute to insulin resistance in the development of atherosclerosis in mice and polycystic ovary syndrome in women [ 128 , 129 ]. Thus, macrophage-mediated inflammation acts as a common factor in the pathogenesis of various metabolic diseases.…”