Bone Morphogenetic Proteins are Significantly Reduced in the Follicular Fluid of Han Chinese Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting up to 10% of women of childbearing age. Traditionally, androgen elevation has been considered the main pathological cause for PCOS. However, it is increasingly recognized that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family, play important roles in follicle recruitment, follicle selection, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) responsiveness.