Ovarian Angiogenesis in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

DI PIETRO, MARIANA; PASCUALI, NATALIA; PARBORELL, FERNANDA; ABRAMOVICH, DALHIA

REPRODUCTION

BIOSCIENTIFICA LTD

Año: 2018

1470-1626

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine pathology among women in reproductive age. Its main symptoms are oligo or amenorrhea,hyperandrogenism and the presence of ovarian cysts. It is also associated withinfertility, obesity and insulin resistance. Mainly due to its heterogeneity,PCOS treatments are directed to manage its symptoms and to prevent associateddiseases. The correct formation and regression of blood vessels during eachovarian cycle is indispensable for proper follicular development, ovulation andcorpus luteum formation. The importance of these processes opened a new andpromising field: ovarian angiogenesis. Vascular alterations characterize numerouspathologies, either with increased, decreased or abnormal angiogenesis. In thelast years, several anomalies of ovarian angiogenesis have been described inwomen with PCOS. Therefore, it has been suggested that these alterations may beassociated with the decreased - or lack of - ovulation rates and for theformation of cysts in the PCOS ovaries. Restoration of a proper vessel formation in the ovaries may lead to improved follicular development and ovulation in thesepatients. In the present review, we attempt to summarize the alterations inovarian angiogenesis that have been described in women with PCOS. We also discussthe therapeutic approaches aimed to correct these alterations and theirbeneficial effects on the treatment of infertility in PCOS.