Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2021, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (1): 74-78.doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20200309

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research Progress of Apelin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

YAN Qi, ZHANG Hui-xia, ZHANG Hui-ying()   

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
  • Received:2020-06-01 Published:2021-01-15 Online:2021-01-21
  • Contact: ZHANG Hui-ying E-mail:huiying_zhang@163.com

Abstract:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrine disease, which is characterized by chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenemia, with complex etiology and highly heterogeneous clinical manifestations. PCOS not only affects female reproduction and endocrine system, but also is often accompanied with a variety of metabolic abnormalities, including insulin resistance (IR), hyperinsulinemia, obesity and so on. Apelin, a new member of adipokines family, is a kind of active peptide hormone secreted by adiposity. Apelin is mainly involved in many physiological processes, such as fluid balance, food intake, insulin secretion and energy metabolism. It can reverse IR and enhance insulin sensitivity. In recent years, it has been observed that the elevated level of serum Apelin in PCOS patients, especially in those patients with obesity and IR, may be related to the abnormal proliferation of granulosa cells and the related metabolic disorders. Therefore, Apelin as a novel biological indicator may be involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS and its metabolic disorders, so it is expected to become a potential target for the treatment of PCOS.

Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Apelin, Overweight, Obesity, Insulin resistance, Review