scholarly journals Polycystic Ovaries and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Epilepsy: Evidence for Neurogonadal Disease

2005 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 142-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia L. Harden
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Moving Target ◽  
Polycystic Ovaries ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Reproductive Disorder ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Androgen Levels

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a mysterious reproductive disorder that results in subfertility. The underlying causes are not known, and even the definition is a moving target. Women with epilepsy have features of PCOS at a higher than expected rate, and polycystic ovaries (PCO) also are present at high rates in this population. Valproate is associated with weight gain and increased androgen levels, two features of PCOS. This review proposes that epilepsy, with its known adverse effects on luteinizing hormone pulsatility, could be a cause of PCOS and that valproate could be an imitator, if not also a cause of the syndrome.

Androgen excess increases food intake in a rat polycystic ovary syndrome model by down-regulating hypothalamus insulin and leptin signaling pathways preceding weight gain

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Liu ◽  
Yu-chen Xu ◽  
Yu-gui Cui ◽  
Shi-wen Jiang ◽  
Fei-yang Diao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Androgen Excess ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Leptin Signaling ◽  
Leptin Sensitivity ◽  
Androgen Levels ◽  
Restricted Food Intake

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive and metabolic disorder characterized by high androgen levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hyperandrogenism on the hypothalamus, and subsequently on the food intake and obesity in females. Methods A dihydroxy testosterone (DHT)-induced rat model was established to recapitulate the hyperandrogenism features of PCOS patients. Body weight and food intake of the rats were recorded. The food intake of DHT-induced rats was restricted by pair feeding to exclude possible effects of weight gain on the hypothalamus. The expression levels of relevant proteins and mRNAs in the hypothalamus, primary hypothalamic neurons exposed to DHT were analyzed by Western blotting and RT-PCR respectively. The leptin levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were measured, and leptin was injected via the intracerebroventricular (ICV) route to test the leptin sensitivity of hypothalamus. Results The excessive pre-puberty androgen levels in the DHT-induced rats markedly elevated food intake prior to weight gain. Consistent with this, the expression of NPY and Agouti-related peptide (Agrp) mRNAs were up-regulated, which occurred prior to obesity and even with restricted food intake. In addition, the hypothalamic sensitivity to insulin and leptin was also impaired in the DHT-induced rats before obesity and with restricted food intake. DHT significantly reduced the leptin levels in the CSF, and ICV injection of leptin inhibited the DHT-induced increase in food intake. Conclusions Androgen excess increased food intake in rats and promoted obesity by down-regulating insulin and leptin signaling in the hypothalamus, most likely by suppressing leptin levels in the CSF.

scholarly journals Hyperandrogenism and Insulin Resistance, Not Changes in Body Weight, Mediate the Development of Endothelial Dysfunction in a Female Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Endocrinology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 156 (11) ◽  
pp. 4071-4080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Hurliman ◽  
Jennifer Keller Brown ◽  
Nicole Maille ◽  
Maurizio Mandala ◽  
Peter Casson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Ovary Syndrome

This study was designed to differentiate the contributions of hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance (IR), and body weight to the development of endothelial dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome and determine the effectiveness of insulin sensitization and antiandrogenic therapy after the establishment of vascular and metabolic dysfunction using a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome. We hypothesized that the observed endothelial dysfunction was a direct steroidal effect, as opposed to changes in insulin sensitivity or body weight. Prepubertal female rats were randomized to the implantation of a pellet containing DHT or sham procedure. In phase 1, DHT-exposed animals were randomized to pair feeding to prevent weight gain or metformin, an insulin-sensitizing agent, from 5 to 14 weeks. In phase 2, DHT-exposed animals were randomized to treatment with metformin or flutamide, a nonsteroidal androgen receptor blocker from 12 to 16 weeks. Endothelial function was assessed by the vasodilatory response of preconstricted arteries to acetylcholine. Serum steroid levels were analyzed in phase 1 animals. Fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin were analyzed and homeostasis model assessment index calculated in all animals. Our data confirm the presence of endothelial dysfunction as well as increased body weight, hypertension, hyperinsulinemia, and greater IR among DHT-treated animals. Even when normal weight was maintained through pair feeding, endothelial dysfunction, hyperinsulinemia, and IR still developed. Furthermore, despite weight gain, treatment with metformin and flutamide improved insulin sensitivity and blood pressure and restored normal endothelial function. Therefore, the observed endothelial dysfunction is most likely a direct result of hyperandrogenism-induced reductions in insulin sensitivity, as opposed to weight gain.

scholarly journals 607Longitudinal weight gain and lifestyle factors in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamaru Ayenew Awoke ◽  
Arul Earnest ◽  
Anju Joham ◽  
Allison Hodge ◽  
Wendy Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Glycemic Index ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Background Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and greater weight gain than women without PCOS. The association of lifestyle factors with weight change in PCOS is not known. Methods We used data from the 1973-78 birth cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health collected from seven surveys over 19 years (N = 14127 survey 1). Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine associations between diet, physical activity, and sitting time with weight change, after adjustment for socio-demographics, psychological factors, and health care utilisation. Results Women with PCOS gained more weight annually (0·26 kg/year, 95% CI 0·13, 0·39; P < 0·0001) and over 19 years (4·75 kg; 95% CI 3·17, 6·34; P < 0·0001) than women without PCOS (adjusted analyses). For all women, there were positive associations between weight gain and energy intake, sitting time, and stress; inverse associations with fibre intake and physical activity; and no associations with diet quality, glycemic index, healthcare utilization, depression, or anxiety. There were interactions between lifestyle factors (energy intake P = 0·006, glycemic index P = 0·007, sitting time P = 0·029, and physical activity P = 0·022), PCOS status and time (age) such that weight gain varied between women with and without PCOS according to these factors. Conclusions Women with PCOS had a higher rate of weight gain than women without PCOS. This was most marked in those with indicators of unhealthy lifestyles. Increased stress, energy intake and sitting time and lower physical activity contributed to weight gain in women with and without PCOS. Key messages The findings reinforce the importance of early and ongoing lifestyle intervention and the potential use of specific lifestyle factors for weight gain prevention and management in PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: metabolic aspects

2011 ◽  
pp. 1235-1239
Author(s):  
Richard S. Legro
Keyword(s):  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Insulin Action ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Metabolic Abnormalities ◽  
Polycystic Ovaries ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Insulin Resistant ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Health Disorders

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is thought to be primarily a disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. The diagnostic criteria reflect ovarian dysfunction, i.e. hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. However, women with PCOS appear to be uniquely insulin resistant, are frequently obese, and may be at risk for a variety of long-term health disorders including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers. Although the endocrine and reproductive features of the disorder improve with age, the associated metabolic abnormalities, particularly components of the metabolic syndrome, may actually worsen. This chapter will explore the pathophysiology of aberrant insulin action in women with PCOS, recognition of long-term risks, and preventive strategies.

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