Expression and Contribution of Insulin Signaling Pathway to the Development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Our previous studies have demonstrated that insulin signaling pathway has an important role in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B signaling, which is critically implicated in insulin resistance, androgen secretion, obesity, and follicular development. PCOS manifests as defective ovarian steroid biosynthesis and hyper-androgenemia, and 50–70% of women with PCOS exhibit insulin resistance and are hyperinsulinemic, indicating that insulin resistance and hyperinsulinism may have an important role in the pathophysiology of PCOS. Therefore, the present article will review the contribution of insulin signaling pathway to the abnormal regulation of follicular growth and ovulation, which can cause corresponding reproductive endocrine diseases and affect women’s reproductive health. Exploring the mechanism of insulin signaling pathway in PCOS will help not only to understand the physiology and pathology of follicular development but also to provide theoretical basis for the treatment of PCOS.