The Complex Dynamics of Hyperandrogenism, Organokines and Total Antioxidant Stress in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive disorder with a complex etiology. It is widely recognized that hyperandrogenism is the key characteristic of PCOS, linked to various physiological dysfunctions. Elevated levels of androgens, such as Testosterone, may correlate with issues like cytokine hypersecretion, increased adipocyte proliferation, and dysregulation of signalling pathways. The roles of organokines and total antioxidant status (TAS) across different PCOS phenotypes remain unclear, and some contributions are still debated. This study aimed to explore the relationships between androgens, organokines, and TAS in various phenotypes of PCOS.

Methods: The research involved a cross-sectional study with 90 newly diagnosed PCOS patients, who were classified into four phenotypes according to the Rotterdam criteria, alongside a control group of 90 healthy women. Fasting blood samples were collected to analyze levels of Serum Testosterone, Serum Adiponectin, Serum Fetuin-A, Serum Interleukin (IL)-10, and Serum Total Antioxidant Status (TAS). To investigate potential associations, ANOVA tests and Spearman correlation analyses were performed using MedCalc 22.009 software.

Results: All 4 PCOS phenotype groups presented a significant difference (p-value < 0.05) in comparison with the control group. The diverse and appreciable correlation was observed between serum testosterone and other organokines as well as TAS across all four PCOS phenotypes; with the highest values observed in phenotype A.

Conclusion: A notable correlation was found between testosterone and various organokines as well as total antioxidant status (TAS), emphasizing its critical role in the etiopathology of PCOS. This connection has implications for diagnosis and could help guide effective treatment strategies, while also enabling better prognostication for patients facing infertility related to PCOS, tailored to their individual phenotypes.