Animal Models to Understand the Etiology and Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Elisabet Stener-Victorin; Vasantha Padmanabhan; Kirsty A Walters; Rebecca E Campbell; Anna Benrick; Paolo Giacobini; Daniel A Dumesic; David H Abbott

doi:10.1210/endrev/bnaa010

Animal Models to Understand the Etiology and Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Endocr Rev. 2020 Jul 1;41(4):bnaa010. doi: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa010.

Authors

Elisabet Stener-Victorin¹, Vasantha Padmanabhan², Kirsty A Walters³, Rebecca E Campbell⁴, Anna Benrick^{5

6}, Paolo Giacobini⁷, Daniel A Dumesic⁸, David H Abbott⁹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
² Departments of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
³ Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
⁴ Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
⁵ Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
⁶ School of Health Sciences and Education, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden.
⁷ University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France.
⁸ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, California.
⁹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.

Abstract

More than 1 out of 10 women worldwide are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the leading cause of female reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. Despite its high prevalence, PCOS and its accompanying morbidities are likely underdiagnosed, averaging > 2 years and 3 physicians before women are diagnosed. Although it has been intensively researched, the underlying cause(s) of PCOS have yet to be defined. In order to understand PCOS pathophysiology, its developmental origins, and how to predict and prevent PCOS onset, there is an urgent need for safe and effective markers and treatments. In this review, we detail which animal models are more suitable for contributing to our understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of PCOS. We summarize and highlight advantages and limitations of hormonal or genetic manipulation of animal models, as well as of naturally occurring PCOS-like females.

Keywords: adipogenic constraint-induced lipotoxicity; androgen excess; developmental programming; genetic manipulation; naturally hyperandrogenic female monkeys; therapeutic prevention.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Disease Models, Animal*
Female
Humans
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / diagnosis
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / etiology
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / metabolism
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / physiopathology

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding