title: Androgens in polycystic ovary syndrome: the role of exercise and diet.
abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in premenopausal women and is characterized by chronic ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism. Clinical studies have shown that hyperandrogenism is linked with insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome in PCOS women. This review article summarizes the several potential mechanisms for the association of androgen excess with insulin resistance, including both direct and indirect actions of androgens on insulin target tissues. This review article also focuses on the beneficial effects of exercise training and diet on glucose metabolism and hyperandrogenism in PCOS women, pointing out that whether in conjunction with pharmacotherapy or as a stand-alone treatment, diet and exercise training represent a fundamental strategy in the treatment of PCOS women.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Giallauria
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Palomba
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vigorito
authors.forename: Maria Giovanna
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Tafuri
authors.forename: Annamaria
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Colao
authors.forename: Gaetano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lombardi
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Orio
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000187:drug effects; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000494:pharmacology; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D007328:Insulin