title: Endothelial progenitor cell dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome: implications for the genesis of cardiovascular diseases.
abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, is characterized by hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. Women with PCOS have a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and endothelial dysfunction. The mechanisms underlying these risks are unclear. Human peripheral blood contains circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived from bone marrow that have the ability to proliferate and differentiate into mature endothelial cells, which may contribute to vessel homeostasis and repair. PCOS is associated with insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia, which may result in EPC dysfunction. In this review, we summarize the potential mechanisms of EPC dysfunction in PCOS, which possibly result in a higher genesis of CVDs in PCOS-affected subjects.
authors: Department of Medical Education and Research, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan ; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Yu-Hsun
authors: YH
authors: Kao
authors: School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Wan-Chun
authors: WC
authors: Chiu
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Ming-I
authors: MI
authors: Hsu
authors: Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan ; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Yi-Jen
authors: YJ
authors: Chen
keywords: Cardiovascular Disease; Endothelial; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Progenitor Cells