Adipocyte and steroidogenic cell cross-talk in polycystic ovary syndrome

AbstractBACKGROUNDMetabolic and endocrine alterations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affect adipose tissue mass and distribution. PCOS is characterised by hyperandrogenism, obesity and adipocyte dysfunction. Hyperandrogenism in PCOS drives dysfunctional adipocyte secretion of potentially harmful adipocytokines. Glucocorticoids and sex-steroids modulate adipocyte development and function. For their part, adipocyte products interact with adrenal and ovarian steroidogenic cells. Currently, the relationship between adipocyte and steroidogenic cells is not clear, and for these reasons, it is important to elucidate the interrelationship between these cells in women with and without PCOS.OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALEThis comprehensive review aims to assess current knowledge regarding the interrelationship between adipocytes and adrenal and ovarian steroidogenic cells in animal models and humans with or without PCOS.SEARCH METHODSWe searched for articles published in English and Portuguese in PubMed. Keywords were as follows: polycystic ovary syndrome, steroidogenesis, adrenal glands, theca cells, granulosa cells, adipocytes, adipocytokines, obesity, enzyme activation, and cytochrome P450 enzymes. We expanded the searchinto the references from the retrieved articles.OUTCOMESGlucocorticoids and sex-steroids modulate adipocyte differentiation and function. Dysfunctional adipocyte products play important roles in the metabolic and endocrine pathways in animals and women with P...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - Category: OBGYN Source Type: research