Oxidative Capacity in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Exploration and Way Forward

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder characterized by elevated androgen levels, ovarian cysts, chronic anovulation, and infertility, with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia as key contributors. The study aims to explore the role of oxidative capacity in presentation of PCOS by estimating Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Alarin, and Fetuin in PCOS and non-PCOS infertile women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from Feb 2021 to Feb 2023. The study recruited 89 women with primary infertility aged 15-49 years. Participants were matched based on age and BMI, including women with a BMI ranging from normal to overweight/obese, while excluding those with secondary infertility, major health conditions, or oral contraceptive use. Healthy infertile women with regular cycles served as controls. Serum levels of TOS, Alarin, and Fetuin-A were measured using ELISA kits. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-23. Results: Forty-five (51%) of the participants had PCOS, with significantly higher BMI (p=0.002). Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Latinizing Hormone (LH) levels were significantly elevated (p<0.001) in the PCOS group, while Anti-Mülarian Hormone (AMH) was significantly lower (p<0.001). Prolactin, vitamin D, and oxidative stress markers were comparable in both groups and were not significantly different as compared to the fertile females. The Spearman’s correlation computed that Prolactin significantly and negatively correlated with Fetuin-A and TOS, while positive correlations were found between Fetuin-A, Alarin, and TOS (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest a potential link between oxidative stress and PCOS, highlighting its complexity. Pak J Physiol 2025;21(2):16-20, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i2.1810