Role and interaction of LncRNAs and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome: a narrative review

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder involving reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic abnormalities and is characterized by irregular menstruation, infrequent or absent ovulation, elevated androgen levels, insulin resistance (IR), and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). It is the main cause of female infertility and high miscarriage rates and leads to high incidence of metabolic diseases. The pathogenesis of PCOS is complex, and IR is a crucial pathophysiological mechanism involved in multiple processes, such as ovulatory dysfunction, reproductive endocrine abnormalities, and metabolic disorders. Notably, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), potential novel biomarkers and intervention targets for predicting the development of PCOS, have been shown to have a reciprocal regulatory relationship with IR in the context of PCOS therapy. A comprehensive analysis of lncRNAs and IR in PCOS is presented in this paper, highlighting the potential for mutual synergistic effects. Specifically, we discuss the mechanisms underlying lncRNAs and IR, emphasizing their ability to regulate reproductive endocrine disorders and metabolic abnormalities. Furthermore, we investigated the interactions between lncRNAs and IR in the pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis of PCOS. We aim to provide a prospective view of the promising value of combining lncRNAs and IR in the treatment of PCOS by elucidating the roles and mutual regulatory network of lncRNAs and IR.