Association of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in PCOS

Background: Chronic low-grade inflammation has been implemented in the pathogenesis and development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Evidence of low-grade chronic inflammation in PCOS is indicated by the presence of elevated inflammatory cytokines. In the present study, association between oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines were investigated in the follicular fluid (FF) of women with PCOS compared to women with normal ovarian function.Methods: 21 women with PCOS and 21 women with normal ovulatory function who underwent intra- obtained from participants were analyzed for concentration of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α using sandwich enzyme immunoassay ELISA. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measurement of total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and thiol groups using spectrophotometric assay.Result: FF concentrations of MDA and TOS were higher than controls. TAC and thiol groups concentration were lower in PCOS compared to controls. FF concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in PCOS were higher than controls. IL-10 levels were higher in controls compared to the PCOS women. MDA and TOS concentration were significantly correlated to TNF-α (r=0.6 p= 0.0001, r= 0.36 p= 0.02, respectively). IL-6 and MDA (r= 0.43 p= 0.01), IL-8 and TAC (r= -0.37 p=0.02), IL-10 and TOS levels (r= -0.3 p= 0.05) and also IL-10 and TAC levels (r= 0.4 p= 0.009) were significantly correlated. TNF-α was negatively correlated to TAC and thiol groups levels (r= -0.56 p= 0.0001, r= -0.49 p=0.003, respectively).Conclusion: Increased oxidative stress is associated with inflammation in PCOS. Inflammation induces inflammatory cytokines generation and directly stimulates excess ovarian androgen production in PCOS.

Keywords:

Follicular fluid , Inflammation , Inflammatory cytokines , PCOS , Oxidative stress