关键词: 多囊卵巢综合征, 氯米芬, 二甲双胍, 胰岛素增敏剂, N-乙酰半胱氨酸

Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common endocrine disorders and one of the leading causes of female infertility, was characterized by oligo-ovulation, anovulation and hyperandrogenism. In addition, PCOS is a risk factor of endometrial hyperplasia, type II diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Treatment with metformin (MTF) is effective to PCOS patients. However, there are gastrointestinal side effects, hypoglycemia and the increased level of serum homocysteine in some PCOS patients treated with MTF for long term. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is an acetylated variant of L-cysteine containing sulfhydryl groups. It has been showed that NAC can decrease the levels of serum androgen and free testosterone, decline the insulin resistance, work as an euglycemic agent, decrease the level of reactive oxidative stress (ROS) in body, and eventually play a role in ovulation induction in women with PCOS. In recent years, more and more studies have showed that NAC could have some supportive curative efficacy in PCOS patients. Here we review the role and mechanism of NAC in the treatment of PCOS.

Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Clomiphene, Metformin, Insulin-sensitizing agents, N-acetyl-L-cysteine