Molecular basis of polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO) is a relatively poorly defined type of steroidogenic abnormality, dependent on an overproduction of lutropin (LH). The PCO is characterized by infertility, amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, obesity and hirsutism. The clinical symptoms are associated with typical morphol...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inGinekologia polska Vol. 66; no. 10; p. 561
Main Authors Katulski, K, Warenik-Szymankiewicz, A, Trzeciak, W H
Format Journal Article
LanguagePolish
Published Poland 01.10.1995
Subjects
Androgens - metabolism
Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System - physiology
Estrogens - metabolism
Female
Humans
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - etiology
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - pathology
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - physiopathology
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Summary:Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO) is a relatively poorly defined type of steroidogenic abnormality, dependent on an overproduction of lutropin (LH). The PCO is characterized by infertility, amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, obesity and hirsutism. The clinical symptoms are associated with typical morphological changes of the ovaries. It has been suggested that hyperplastic secondary interstitial cells and theca cells are the main site of excess androgen production. In PCO the elevation of androgens is observed, while the estrogen level is normal or slightly decreased. In the ovarian sex steroidogenic pathways, 17 alpha-hydroxylase, which produces androgens and aromatase, which converts androgens to estrogens are important regulatory enzymes. Major components of 17 alpha-hydroxylase and aromatase are cytochromes P450 17 alpha and P450 arom. Histochemical investigations revealed increased immunoreactivity with the antibody directed against P450 17 alpha in theca cells. In this review data from literature are presented and discussed regarding endocrinological and molecular background of PCO.
ISSN:0017-0011