MECHANISMS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISKS IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
Abstract
Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. The main features of the syndrome are clinical and/or laboratory signs of hyperandrogenism and menstrual cycle irregularities, although several variants of the definition of the syndrome exist. Conclusions PCOS is clearly associated with increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors. However, long term risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality is not yet clear. Reciprocal relationships between endothelial dysfunction, early pre-clinical form of atherosclerosis, and insulin resistance, key metabolic disturbance in PCOS, mark the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in PCOS. The role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has been partially elucidated. More than half of PCOS patients are obese with increased visceral adipose tissue accumulation. Adipose tissue is an important endocrine organ, releasing many metabolically active substances – adipocytokines. These substantially influence the mechanisms of insulin resistance and atherogenesis.Downloads
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