Ovarian angiogenesis in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine pathology among women in reproductive age. Its main symptoms are oligo or amenorrhea, hyperandrogenism and the presence of ovarian cysts. It is also associated with infertility, obesity and insulin resistance. Mainly due to its heterogeneity, PCOS treatments are directed to manage its symptoms and to prevent associated diseases. The correct formation and regression of blood vessels during each ovarian cycle is indispensable for proper follicular development, ovulation and corpus luteum formation. The importance of these processes opened a new and promising field: ovarian angiogenesis. Vascular alterations characterize numerous pathologies, either with increased, decreased or abnormal angiogenesis. In the last years, several anomalies of ovarian angiogenesis have been described in women with PCOS. Therefore, it has been suggested that these alterations may be associated with the decreased - or lack of - ovulation rates and for the formation of cysts in the PCOS ovaries. Restoration of a proper vessel formation in the ovaries may lead to improved follicular development and ovulation in these patients. In the present review, we attempt to summarize the alterations in ovarian angiogenesis that have been described in women with PCOS. We also discuss the therapeutic approaches aimed to correct these alterations and their beneficial effects on the treatment of infertility in PCOS.

MiR-185-5p Protects Against Angiogenesis in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Targeting VEGFA

“…PCOS patients who undergo over response to gonadotrophin stimulation can trigger severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) ( Peitsidis and Agrawal, 2010 ). Evidence suggests the involvement of abnormal ovarian angiogenesis in various pathological conditions of PCOS, such as OHSS, ovulation disorder, subfertility and even endometriosis ( Geva and Jaffe, 2000 ; Reynolds et al., 2002 ; Di Pietro et al., 2018 ). Notably, a current study from Xie et al.…”

Quantitative mass spectrometric analysis to unravel glycoproteomic signature of follicular fluid in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

“…Regulated angiogenesis is required for follicle development, oocyte maturation, ovulation and corpus luteum formation. Available reports suggest that angiogenesis is altered in PCOS [29,30]. We have observed dysregulation of both SERPINA1 and ITIH4 which play a role in angiogenesis and ECM stabilization, implying they may be contributing towards altered angiogenesis in the follicles of women with PCOS.…”

VEGF gene rs35569394 polymorphism in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

“…PCOS is multifactorial and the presence of the D allele can be a risk factor for the clinical consequences of the pathology, as it leads to the overproduction of androgen hormones responsible for the clinical manifestations of this condition, such as menstrual irregularity, acne, hirsutism, polycystic ovarian morphology, insulin resistance and obesity. 1,3 The literature reports that the high vascularization promoted by high levels of VEGF in the stroma can lead to abnormal growth of the theca -an important site for androgenic steroidogenesis. 6 In the present study, this genetic polymorphism was not associated with PCOS.…”

“…Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine metabolic pathology that affects 5% to 20% of women of reproductive age and is considered one of the main causes of female infertility. 1 The diagnosis of this condition is based on the Rotterdam criteria that consists of at least two of the following three findings: (1) oligoovulation or chronic anovulation, (2) clinical and/or laboratory evidence of hyperandrogenism and (3) pelvic ultrasound indicative of polycystic ovaries. 2 Secondary manifestations may also and VEGF polymorphisms contribute to the etiology of this endocrine metabolic condition.…”