The potential role of uric acid in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age and is associated with a variety of multi-system complications. The prevailing treatment strategy for PCOS is to individualize the interventions based on individual symptoms and patient complaints. However, optimal efficacy in treatment necessitates a focus on addressing the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Uric acid (UA), the end product of purine metabolism, has been suggested to be involved in the development of several diseases, including PCOS. However, the precise mechanisms by which UA may affect PCOS remain incompletely understood. This literature review aims to investigate the correlation between UA and the various clinical presentations of PCOS, such as hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance (IR), ovulation disorders, obesity, and other related manifestations, through the analysis of epidemiological and clinical studies. The purpose of this study is to improve our comprehension of how UA contributes to each aspect of PCOS and their interrelationship, thus identifying the potential role of UA as a facilitator of PCOS. Furthermore, we explore potential pathways linking UA and PCOS, and propose therapeutic interventions based on these findings to optimize the management of this condition.

Keywords:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• uric acid
• hyperandrogenism
• metabolic syndrome
• oxidative stress
• insulin resistance

Acknowledgement

We are grateful to Yan Liu, Ph.D. for the help with suggestions for writing.

Authors contributions

Zhentao Gong wrote the original draft and prepared figures; Lingshan Zhang edited the original draft; Yingli Shi conceived the idea. All authors approved the final article. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Data availability statement

Not applicable.

Additional information

Funding

This research was sponsored by Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai [No. 19ZR1406700 to Yingli Shi].