Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a gynecological endocrine disease with high heterogeneity, is characterized by hyperandrogenemia, hyperinsulinemia and/or abnormal ovulation. Insulin resistance (IR) is considered as a part of the pathogenesis of PCOS, and PCOS patients often show hyperinsulinemia. It is helpful for understanding the pathogenesis and prognosis of PCOS to explore the mechanism of IR, and for preventing the complications, especially cardiovascular disease. The molecular biological basis of IR in PCOS women is related to the gene of insulin receptor(INSR), the regulation of gene expression and the intracellular insulin signaling pathway. We will mainly discuss the polymorphism of related genes, mitochondrial transport RNA (mt-tRNA), microRNA, INSR and its downstream signals such as PI3K and MAPK, and some post-receptor substances which can regulate the insulin sensibility.

Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Receptor, insulin, Signal transduction, Insulin resistance