Title:Do Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) Contribute to the Comorbidities of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Volume: 22
Issue: 36
Author(s): Aleksandra Zofia Rutkowska and Evanthia Diamanti-Kandarakis
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Advanced glycation end product, PCOS, oxidative stress, inflammation, infertility, diabetes, atherosclerosis.
Abstract: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed both during the endogenous
and exogenous reactions and are implicated in the process of ageing, pathogenesis of diabetes,
atherosclerosis, female fertility, and cancers. Food and smoking are the most important
sources of exogenous AGEs in daily life. The biochemical composition of meal, cooking
methods, time and temperature of food preparation may impact AGEs formation, therefore
Western-type diet, rich in animal-derived products as well as in fast foods seems to be the
main source of AGEs. Both, endogenous and exogenous AGEs can act intracellularly or
during serum interaction with cell surface receptors called RAGE influencing variety of
molecular pathways. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy
in women of reproductive age. The aetiology of this disorder remains unclear, however
the environmental and genetic factors may play an important role in its pathogenesis. Nevertheless,
PCOS women have increased factors for reproductive and cardiometabolic comorbidities.
AGEs can contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS as well as its consequences. It has been shown that
chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress may be a link between the mechanisms of AGEs action and
the metabolic and reproductive consequences of PCOS.
This review highlights that high dietary AGEs intake promotes deteriorating biological effects in women with
PCOS, whereas AGEs restriction seems to have beneficial impact on women health. Better understanding AGEs
formation and biochemistry as well as AGE-mediated pathophysiological mechanisms may open new therapeutic
avenues converging to the achievement of the complete treatment of PCOS and its consequences.
