Abstract

THE ROLE OF INFLAMMATION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Dr. Hazhmat A. Ali*, Ihsan H. M. Ali and Shireen A. Ibrahim

ABSTRACT

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder of unknown etiology characterized by anovulation and hyperandrogenemia associated with other symptoms mainly insulin resistance. Methods: 60 clinically diagnosed PCOS patients according to Rotterdam criteria and 30 apparently healthy subjects have been included in this case control study. Results: There were significant increases in inflammatory markers including hs-CRP (P=0.001), total WBC count (P=0.03) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P=0.001) in PCOS group compared to control subjects. Furthermore, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher in PCOS patients (P=0.005). Conclusion: There is existence of low gradechronic inflammation as well as oxidative stress represented by malondialdehyde that play a pivotal role in PCOS pathogenesis.

Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, malondialdehyde and hyperandrogenemia.