The central role of obesity (hyperinsulinemia) in the pathogenesis of the polycystic ovary syndrome.
Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia appear to be almost universal features of the polycystic ovary syndrome. We propose that obesity permits full phenotypic expression of the polycystic ovary syndrome in women predisposed to develop this condition by generating an insulin-resistant, and consequently hyperinsulinemic, state. The resultant hyperinsulinemia may produce hyperandrogenism by affecting multiple facets of androgen metabolism.
Nestler
J E
JE
Department of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond.
Clore
J N
JN
Blackard
W G
WG
D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008954:Models, Biological; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism
D000728:Androgens; D007328:Insulin