Research Progress on Amino Acid Metabolism and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

doi:10.12280/gjszjk.20260004

Abstract

Abstract:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovarian morphology as its core features. It is often accompanied by insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, impairing the reproductive health and metabolic functions of women of childbearing age. In recent years, metabolomic studies have revealed that amino acid metabolic disorders are closely associated with the occurrence and progression of PCOS. Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) interfere with insulin signaling by activating the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) pathway; abnormal metabolism of aromatic amino acid (AAA) impairs oocyte development and exacerbates inflammation; an imbalance in glutamine/glutamic acid (Gln/Glu) aggravates IR and hyperandrogenism; and homocysteine (Hcy) exacerbates IR through endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation. Targeting these metabolic abnormalities, intervention strategies include lifestyle modifications and nutritional supplements such as insulin sensitizers (e.g., metformin), inositol and N-acetylcysteine, which can improve IR, optimize follicular development and pregnancy outcomes. This paper reviews the mechanisms underlying the role of key amino acid metabolic disorders in PCOS and the corresponding intervention strategies, aiming to provide a new perspective for the precise diagnosis and treatment of PCOS.

Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Amino acids, Metabolism, Insulin resistance, Metabolic syndrome

WANG Hai-yun, WEI Jia-yu, LAN Tian-ning, ZHANG Ke-xin, ZHANG Hui-ying, TIAN Wen-yan. Research Progress on Amino Acid Metabolism and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome[J]. Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning, 2026, 45(2): 160-165.

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