The role of macrophages in polycystic ovary syndrome: A review.

Le Wei, Ming Li, Qi Liu, Li Li, Yubo Xiao, Wenwei Wen, Pinyue Liu

Journal: Medicine 2025;104(17):e42228

PMID: 40295243

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Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among fertile women, which is influenced by genetics and environment. A recent study revealed that PCOS patients were in a chronic inflammatory state, and they had abnormally activated macrophages. This paper introduces the relationship between PCOS and macrophages. The forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO-1), migration inhibitory factor, sympathetic conservation disorder, and vitamin D are believed to influence macrophages in PCOS. There is evidence that PCOS-associated abnormalities are associated with macrophages, including insulin resistance, obesity, hyperandrogenism (HA), hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), cardiometabolic disorder and gut microbiota dysbiosis. This review summarizes the research status of macrophages in PCOS. Macrophages might be a potential PCOS treatment candidate.

Address: Department of Histology and Embryology, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China.; School of Public Health and Laboratory Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China.; Department of Orthopedics, Sanming First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Sanming, Fujian, China.

DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000042228