Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine diseases among women of reproductive age; however, its aetiology is unclear. PCOS is linked to many metabolic manifestations and alterations such as obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Women with PCOS have intra-ovarian and systemic changes in their metabolite levels. Adipose tissue dysfunction plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of PCOS. Adipose tissue growth is disrupted by metabolic stress, leading to hypertrophy of adipocytes, which begin to express stress signals. Adipose tissue secretes autocrine and paracrine factors, called adipokines or adipocytokines. Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived protein abundant in the bloodstream. Plasma adiponectin concentration is low in women with PCOS, obesity, CVD, and hypertension. Other adipocytokines with altered secretion in PCOS include leptin, resistin, apelin, visfatin, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Hormonal imbalance, untimely action of high LH, and consequent hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS may cause metabolic defects associated with adipose tissue dysfunction; however, there are no reports on the role of higher LH levels in adipose dysfunction and altered adipokine secretion. New medications with therapeutic potential have been developed that target adipokines for the treatment of PCOS. This review discusses the association between PCOS and altered adipokine production as a consequence of adipose dysfunction.