Oxidative stress modulates endocrine profiling in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients

Oxidative stress accelerates the pathophysiological development of various anomalies like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The current study aimed to assess the role of oxidative stress in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Adult women (n=100) aged similar to 20-40 years which were diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome on ultrasound following the Rotterdam criteria, were randomly selected from various hospitals within the city of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Fifty healthy women (n=50) with same age and regular menstrual cycles, biochemical and metabolic markers were designated as a control group. Blood samples were collected from both the groups on 2nd day of menstrual cycle. Serum was separated from the blood samples and evaluated for oxidative stress markers, lipid and hormonal profile in both groups. Stress scale-21 (DASS-21) questionnaire was employed to assess the depression and anxiety scale. Results exhibit a strong correlation of FSH levels with oxidative stress parameters. The questionnaire revealed severe depression, anxiety, and stress in patients of PCOS. Apart from elevated oxidative stress markers, dyslipidemia was also prevalent in the PCOS patients. In conclusion the current study highlights the permissive role of oxidative stress in PCOS which results in hormonal disruption.