Critical Care Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine, reproductive, Metabolic and psychological disorder in women of childbearing age, affecting6-10% of premenopausal women. Hyperandrogenism is the most important biochemical feature of the syndrome, and it responsible on the most clinical features of the disease. The relationship between adipose tissue and pathophysiology of PCOS, in terms of development of hyperandrogenism is still not fully understood. Although ovaries and adrenal glands are the main sources of androgen, it is appear to study the contribution of peripheral steroidogenesis in the pathophysiology of PCOS. Also, to understand the role of adipose tissue in the development of hyperandrogenism, we hypothesised that steroidogenesis-related enzymes, 17-alpha hydroxylase/17.20-lyase (CYP 17A1) and 17-Beta hydroxysteriod dehydrogenase type 5 (AKR1C3) are expressed in adipose tissue.