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The role of heat shock proteins in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome: a review of the literature

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posted on 2023-02-24, 10:56 authored by Sara Anjum Niinuma, Laila Lubbad, Walaa Lubbad, Abu Saleh MoinAbu Saleh Moin, Alexandra ButlerAlexandra Butler

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and post-menopausal women. PCOS is a multifactorial heterogeneous disorder associated with a variety of etiologies, outcomes, and clinical manifestations. However, the pathophysiology of PCOS is still unclear. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have recently been investigated for their role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. HSPs are a class of proteins that act as molecular chaperones and maintain cellular proteostasis. More recently, their actions beyond that of molecular chaperones have highlighted their pathogenic role in several diseases. In PCOS, different HSP family members show abnormal expression that affects the proliferation and apoptotic rates of ovarian cells as well as immunological processes. HSP dysregulation in the ovaries of PCOS subjects leads to a proliferation/apoptosis imbalance that mechanistically impacts follicle stage development, resulting in polycystic ovaries. Moreover, HSPs may play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS-associated conditions. Recent studies on HSP activity during therapeutic interventions for PCOS suggest that modulating HSP activity may lead to novel treatment strategies. In this review, we summarize what is currently known regarding the role of HSPs in the pathogenesis of PCOS and their potential role in the treatment of PCOS, and we outline areas for future research. 

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The original article is available at https://www.mdpi.com/

Published Citation

Niinuma SA, Lubbad L, Lubbad W, Moin ASM, Butler AE. The role of heat shock proteins in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome: a review of the literature. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(3):1838.

Publication Date

17 January 2023

PubMed ID

36768170

Department/Unit

  • RCSI Bahrain

Publisher

MDPI

Version

  • Published Version (Version of Record)