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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Women's Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 36908

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Michał Kunicki

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
"1. INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center, 00-019 Warsaw, Poland
2. Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-315 Warsaw, Poland"
Interests: obstetric gynaecology; endocrinology; reproductive medicine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common and complex endocrinopathy worldwide, with a prevalence of 6–10%. The occurrence of PCOS is associated with hyperandrogenemia and/or hirsutism, ovulatory dysfunction, infertility, and many metabolic abnormalities. The latter includes insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Additionally, it has been reported that the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increased in women with PCOS.

 PCOS can also worsened quality of life, with some negative psychological aspects like depression; increased anxiety, mood, and sleeping disorders; and impaired quality of life (QoL). It is established that  therapy should focus on the aforementioned aspects in both the short and long term.

PCOS is also associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and increased risk of preeclampsia. The pathophysiology of that disease is not totally elucidated, and hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors play a role.

Taking into account  that the PCOS has a great impact on women’s health, I would like to encourage submissions to our Special Issue that cover many aspects of that disease, including genetic, metabolic, reproductive, and especially environmental. We would gratefully accept the submission of both original and review studies. 

Dr. Michał Kunicki
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • polycystic ovary syndrome
  • insulin resistance
  • obesity
  • infertility
  • treatment
  • assisted reproductive techniques
  • pregnancy outcomes
  • environment
  • toxins
  • quality of life

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 348 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Relationship between Illness Perceptions and Health Behaviour among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
by Brittany Fossey, Kirsten J. McCaffery, Erin Cvejic, Jesse Jansen and Tessa Copp
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(11), 5998; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20115998 - 30 May 2023
Viewed by 2038
Abstract
This paper aims to delineate the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural responses of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to their illness by applying the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM) to their health behaviour. An online cross-sectional design was used to examine the relationship [...] Read more.
This paper aims to delineate the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural responses of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to their illness by applying the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM) to their health behaviour. An online cross-sectional design was used to examine the relationship between participants’ illness perceptions (illness identity, consequence, timeline, control, and cause) and emotional representations of their PCOS, and their health behaviours (diet, physical activity, and risky contraceptive behaviour). The participants were 252 women between the ages of 18 and 45 years, living in Australia, and self-reporting a diagnosis of PCOS, recruited through social media. Participants completed an online questionnaire regarding illness perceptions as well as their diet, physical activity, and risky contraceptive behaviour. Illness identity was positively associated with the number of maladaptive dietary practices (B = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.138; p = 0.04), and perception of longer illness duration was associated with reduced physical activity (OR = 0.898, 95% CI: 0.807, 0.999; p = 0.49) and risky contraceptive behaviour (OR = 0.856, 95% CI: 0.736, 0.997; p = 0.045). The limitations of the study include all data being self-reported (including PCOS diagnosis), and the potential for analyses of physical activity and risky contraceptive use being underpowered due to reduced sample sizes. The sample was also highly educated and restricted to those who use social media. These findings suggest that illness perceptions may play a role in influencing health behaviour in women with PCOS. A better understanding of the illness perceptions of women with PCOS is needed to increase health-promoting behaviour and improve health outcomes for women with PCOS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS))
17 pages, 410 KiB  
Article
Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation—Identifying Constructs for Increasing Physical Activity Behaviours in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
by Chris Kite, Lou Atkinson, Gordon McGregor, Cain C. T. Clark, Harpal S. Randeva and Ioannis Kyrou
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2309; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20032309 - 28 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2063
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrinopathy in reproductive-aged women. Because increased adiposity is pivotal in the severity of PCOS-related symptoms, treatment usually incorporates increasing energy expenditure through physical activity (PA). This study aimed to understand the reasons why women with PCOS [...] Read more.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrinopathy in reproductive-aged women. Because increased adiposity is pivotal in the severity of PCOS-related symptoms, treatment usually incorporates increasing energy expenditure through physical activity (PA). This study aimed to understand the reasons why women with PCOS engage in PA/exercise, which could support the development of targeted behavioural interventions in this at-risk population. Validated questionnaires were administered for self-reported PA levels, quality of life, mental health, illness perception, sleep quality, and capability, opportunity, and motivation (COM) for PA. Using categorical PA data, outcomes were compared between groups; ordinal logistic regression (OLR) was used to identify whether COM could explain PA categorisation. A total of 333 participants were eligible; favourable differences were reported for body mass index, depression, mental wellbeing, self-rated health, illness perception, and insomnia severity for those reporting the highest PA levels. COM scores increased according to PA categorisation, whilst OLR identified conscious and automatic motivation as explaining the largest PA variance. The most active participants reported favourable data for most outcomes. However, determining whether health is protected by higher PA or ill health is a barrier to PA was not possible. These findings suggest that future behavioural interventions should be targeted at increasing patient motivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS))
14 pages, 1789 KiB  
Article
Short-Term Aerobic Exercise Did Not Change Telomere Length While It Reduced Testosterone Levels and Obesity Indexes in PCOS: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Study
by Victor Barbosa Ribeiro, Daiana Cristina Chielli Pedroso, Gislaine Satyko Kogure, Iris Palma Lopes, Barbara Aparecida Santana, Hugo Celso Dutra de Souza, Rui Alberto Ferriani, Rodrigo Tocantins Calado, Cristiana Libardi Miranda Furtado and Rosana Maria dos Reis
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11274; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182111274 - 27 Oct 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3783
Abstract
Metabolic and hormonal outcomes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have implications on telomere biology and physical activity may prevent telomere erosion. We sought to observe the effects of continuous (CAT) and intermittent (IAT) aerobic training on telomere length, inflammatory biomarkers, and its correlation [...] Read more.
Metabolic and hormonal outcomes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have implications on telomere biology and physical activity may prevent telomere erosion. We sought to observe the effects of continuous (CAT) and intermittent (IAT) aerobic training on telomere length, inflammatory biomarkers, and its correlation with metabolic, hormonal, and anthropometric parameters of PCOS. This randomized controlled clinical trial study included 87 PCOS randomly stratified according to body mass index (BMI) in CAT (n = 28), IAT (n = 29) and non-training control group (CG, n = 30). The exercises were carried out on a treadmill, three times per week for 16 weeks. The participants’ anthropometric characteristics and biochemical and hormonal concentrations were measured before and after aerobic training or observation period, as the telomere length that was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR. Four months of aerobic exercises (CAT or IAT) did not alter telomere length and inflammatory biomarkers in PCOS women. Obesity index as BMI and waist circumference (WC), and inflammatory biomarkers negatively affect telomeres. The hyper-andro-genism measured by testosterone levels was reduced after both exercises (CAT, p ≤ 0.001; IAT, p = 0.019). In particular, the CAT reduced WC (p = 0.045), hip circumference (p = 0.032), serum cholesterol (p ≤ 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein (p = 0.030). Whereas, the IAT decreased WC (p = 0.014), waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.012), free androgen index (FAI) (p = 0.037). WC (p = 0.049) and body fat (p = 0.015) increased in the non-training group while total cholesterol was reduced (p = 0.010). Booth exercises reduced obesity indices and hyperandrogenism on PCOS women without changes in telomere length or inflammatory biomarkers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS))
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Review

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13 pages, 934 KiB  
Review
Neuroendocrine Determinants of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
by Anna Szeliga, Ewa Rudnicka, Marzena Maciejewska-Jeske, Marek Kucharski, Anna Kostrzak, Marta Hajbos, Olga Niwczyk, Roman Smolarczyk and Blazej Meczekalski
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 3089; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19053089 - 06 Mar 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4587
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women and a major cause of anovulatory infertility. A diagnosis of PCOS is established based the presence of two out of three clinical symptoms, which are criteria accepted by the ESHRE/ASRM (European [...] Read more.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women and a major cause of anovulatory infertility. A diagnosis of PCOS is established based the presence of two out of three clinical symptoms, which are criteria accepted by the ESHRE/ASRM (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology/American Society for Reproductive Medicine). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is responsible for the release of luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone from the pituitary and contributes a leading role in controlling reproductive function in humans. The goal of this review is to present the current knowledge on neuroendocrine determinations of PCOS. The role of such neurohormones as GnRH, and neuropeptides kisspeptin, neurokinin B, phoenixin-14, and galanin is discussed in this aspect. Additionally, different neurotransmitters (gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine) can also be involved in neuroendocrine etiopathogenesis of PCOS. Studies have shown a persistent rapid GnRH pulse frequency in women with PCOS present during the whole ovulatory cycle. Other studies have proved that patients with PCOS are characterized by higher serum kisspeptin levels. The observations of elevated serum kisspeptin levels in PCOS correspond with the hypothesis that overactivity in the kisspeptin system is responsible for hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis overactivity. In turn, this causes menstrual disorders, hyperandrogenemia and hyperandrogenism. Moreover, abnormal regulation of Neurokinin B (NKB) is also suspected of contributing to PCOS development, while NKB antagonists are used in the treatment of PCOS leading to reduction in Luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration and total testosterone concentration. GnRH secretion is regulated not only by kisspeptin and neurokinin B, but also by other neurohormones, such as phoenixin-14, galanin, and Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), that have favorable effects in counteracting the progress of PCOS. A similar process is associated with the neurotransmitters such as GABA, glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine, as well as the opioid system, which may interfere with secretion of GnRH, and therefore, influence the development and severity of symptoms in PCOS patients. Additional studies are required to explain entire, real mechanisms responsible for PCOS neuroendocrine background. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS))
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25 pages, 3013 KiB  
Review
Review of Novel Potential Insulin Resistance Biomarkers in PCOS Patients—The Debate Is Still Open
by Jagoda Kruszewska, Hanna Laudy-Wiaderny and Michał Kunicki
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2099; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19042099 - 13 Feb 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4563
Abstract
Research on proteins and peptides that play roles in metabolic regulation, which may be considered potential insulin resistance markers in some medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), has recently gained in interest. PCOS is a common endocrine [...] Read more.
Research on proteins and peptides that play roles in metabolic regulation, which may be considered potential insulin resistance markers in some medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), has recently gained in interest. PCOS is a common endocrine disorder associated with hyperandrogenemia and failure of ovulation, which is often accompanied by metabolic abnormalities, including obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. In this review, we focus on less commonly known peptides/proteins and investigate their role as potential biomarkers for insulin resistance in females affected by PCOS. We summarize studies comparing the serum fasting concentration of particular agents in PCOS individuals and healthy controls. Based on our analysis, we propose that, in the majority of studies, the levels of nesfastin-1, myonectin, omentin, neudesin were decreased in PCOS patients, while the levels of the other considered agents (e.g., preptin, gremlin-1, neuregulin-4, xenopsin-related peptide, xenin-25, and galectin-3) were increased. However, there also exist studies presenting contrary results; in particular, most data existing for lipocalin-2 are inconsistent. Therefore, further research is required to confirm those hypotheses, as well as to elucidate the involvement of these factors in PCOS-related metabolic complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS))
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30 pages, 2827 KiB  
Review
The Effect of Exercise on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Annabelle Breyley-Smith, Aya Mousa, Helena J. Teede, Nathan A. Johnson and Angelo Sabag
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1386; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031386 - 26 Jan 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5068
Abstract
Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, increases the risk for cardiometabolic morbidity. While regular exercise is effective in reducing cardiometabolic risk, women with PCOS may experience condition-specific barriers to exercise thereby limiting its efficacy. Aim: [...] Read more.
Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, increases the risk for cardiometabolic morbidity. While regular exercise is effective in reducing cardiometabolic risk, women with PCOS may experience condition-specific barriers to exercise thereby limiting its efficacy. Aim: To determine the effect of exercise on cardiometabolic risk factors in women with PCOS. Methods: Five databases (Cochrane, EMBASE, Medline, Scopus and SPORTDiscus) were searched up to December of 2021. Eligible studies included: a randomised controlled design; participants with a diagnosis of PCOS; aerobic and/or resistance exercise intervention lasting ≥4 weeks; cardiometabolic outcomes. Meta-analyses were performed to determine the effect of exercise versus non-exercising control on cardiometabolic outcomes. Results: Of the 4517 studies screened, 18 studies were analysed involving 593 participants. When compared with control, exercise significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness (weighted mean difference {WMD} = 4.00 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 2.61 to 5.40, p < 0.001) and waist circumference (WMD = −1.48 cm, 95% CI: −2.35 to −0.62, p = 0.001). Systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and lipid profiles remained unchanged. Conclusions: Regular exercise may improve cardiorespiratory fitness and waist circumference in women with PCOS. Further large-scale studies are required to determine whether exercise interventions improve various biochemical and anthropometric parameters in women with PCOS and more severe cardiometabolic abnormalities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS))
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25 pages, 1176 KiB  
Review
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Evolutionary Adaptation to Lifestyle and the Environment
by Jim Parker, Claire O’Brien, Jason Hawrelak and Felice L. Gersh
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1336; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031336 - 25 Jan 2022
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 12257
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is increasingly recognized as a complex metabolic disorder that manifests in genetically susceptible women following a range of negative exposures to nutritional and environmental factors related to contemporary lifestyle. The hypothesis that PCOS phenotypes are derived from a mismatch [...] Read more.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is increasingly recognized as a complex metabolic disorder that manifests in genetically susceptible women following a range of negative exposures to nutritional and environmental factors related to contemporary lifestyle. The hypothesis that PCOS phenotypes are derived from a mismatch between ancient genetic survival mechanisms and modern lifestyle practices is supported by a diversity of research findings. The proposed evolutionary model of the pathogenesis of PCOS incorporates evidence related to evolutionary theory, genetic studies, in utero developmental epigenetic programming, transgenerational inheritance, metabolic features including insulin resistance, obesity and the apparent paradox of lean phenotypes, reproductive effects and subfertility, the impact of the microbiome and dysbiosis, endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure, and the influence of lifestyle factors such as poor-quality diet and physical inactivity. Based on these premises, the diverse lines of research are synthesized into a composite evolutionary model of the pathogenesis of PCOS. It is hoped that this model will assist clinicians and patients to understand the importance of lifestyle interventions in the prevention and management of PCOS and provide a conceptual framework for future research. It is appreciated that this theory represents a synthesis of the current evidence and that it is expected to evolve and change over time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS))
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