The serine phosphorylation hypothesis of polycystic ovary syndrome: a unifying mechanism for hyperandrogenemia and insulin resistance.

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy affecting 4%-8% of reproductive-aged women. The syndrome is characterized by hyperandrogenemia and disordered gonadotropin secretion and is often associated with insulin resistance. However, rather than being one disease entity caused by a single molecular defect, PCOS under its current diagnostic criteria most likely includes a number of distinct disease processes with similar clinical phenotypes but different pathophysiologic mechanisms. The serine phosphorylation hypothesis can potentially explain two major features of PCOS--hyperandrogenemia and insulin resistance. Further defining the molecular mechanisms regulating androgen biosynthesis and insulin action in PCOS patients will permit a better understanding of the syndrome and may lead to the generation of novel specific pharmacologic therapies.

• Authors: Andrew A Bremer, Walter L Miller
• Journal: Fertility and sterility (Fertil Steril) Vol. 89 Issue 5 Pg. 1039-1048 (May 2008) ISSN: 1556-5653 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18433749 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Review)

Chemical References

• Androgens
• Gonadotropins
• Steroids
• Serine

Topics

• Androgens (blood)
• Female
• Gonadotropins (metabolism)
• Humans
• Insulin Resistance (physiology)
• Phosphorylation
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (metabolism, physiopathology)
• Serine (metabolism)
• Steroids (metabolism)