Polycystic ovarian syndrome: Environmental/occupational, lifestyle factors; an overview

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted disease of women with infertility that has diverse etiologic factors. Some women may have only a few PCOS-linked symptoms or mild symptoms, whereas others will have severe or all PCOS-linked symptoms. Therefore, PCOS symptoms can differ among women. PCOS is a state of hormonal imbalance, excess terminal hair (hirsutism), hair loss (alopecia), menstruation impairments, metabolic disorders, and cystic appearance on the ovaries. The cysts hamper ovulation, thus reducing the ability of women to become pregnant and result in infertility. The available data suggest that PCOS might originate in utero and the phenotypic appearance of PCOS symptoms may be developed in later life, which could be linked with host factors (endogenous) and exogenous factors like lifestyle, and dietary, environmental or occupational factors. Based upon the available information, it can be postulated that prenatal exposure to excessive androgens might be responsible for androgenization of the fetus, which in turn may alter the program of differentiating target tissues and the phenotypic characteristics of PCOS can be persuaded by exposure of female offspring to various endogenous and exogenous factors at later life. Genetic/host and environmental/lifestyle factors might be related to the pathophysiology of PCOS after prenatal exposure to androgen. Additional studies are necessary to understand the exact mechanism responsible for the manifestation of PCOS because it is a very important issue in female reproduction.

Effects of Soy Isoflavones, Resistant Starch and Antibiotics on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)-Like Features in Letrozole-Treated Rats

“…PCOS has also been found to alter the lipid profiles in non-obese pregnant women, which may cause frequent adverse pregnancy outcomes [7]. PCOS is a multifaceted disease with diverse etiological factors which makes it difficult to treat [8]. According to the currently available data, PCOS might originate in utero, and PCOS phenotypes may be developed later in life [8].…”

Common endocrine disorders associated with the polycystic ovary syndrome

“…In addition, Kshetrimayum et al . suggest that the genetic/host, and the environmental/lifestyle factors might be related to the pathophysiology of PCOS after prenatal exposure to androgen [ 7 ].…”

VEGF gene rs35569394 polymorphism in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

“…Women with PCOS are also at increased risk for gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and pregnancy complications with early pregnancy loss and / or neonatal complications.³ PCOS is a multifactorial disease and studies show that genetic predisposition and exposureto environmental factors such as toxins, diet, nutrition and ethnicity are in the etiology of this pathology. 3,4 Among the genes studied in PCOS, changes in the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/VEGF gene, which encodes a protein that participates in the physiological regulation of ovarian angiogenesis, stabilization of blood vessels, formation, function and regression of the corpus luteum, can play an important role in the etiology of the syndrome. 5 The correct formation and regression of vascular vessels during each ovarian cycle is important for proper follicular development, ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum.…”