Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Relevant Role of the Theca and Granulosa Cells in the Pathogenesis of the Ovarian Dysfunction
Malgorzata Jozkowiak,
Hanna Piotrowska-Kempisty,
Dominik Kobylarek,
Natalia Gorska,
Paul Mozdziak,
Bartosz Kempisty,
Dominik Rachon,
Robert Z. Spaczynski
Affiliations
Malgorzata Jozkowiak
Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Dojazd 30, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
Hanna Piotrowska-Kempisty
Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Dojazd 30, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
Dominik Kobylarek
Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Dojazd 30, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
Natalia Gorska
Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Dojazd 30, 60-631 Poznan, Poland
Paul Mozdziak
Physiology Graduate Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
Bartosz Kempisty
Prestage Department of Poultry Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
Dominik Rachon
Department of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 7, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
Robert Z. Spaczynski
Center for Gynecology, Obstetrics and Infertility Treatment Pastelova, Pastelowa 8, 60-198 Poznan, Poland
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common heterogeneous endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. The pathogenesis of PCOS remains elusive; however, there is evidence suggesting the potential contribution of genetic interactions or predispositions combined with environmental factors. Among these, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been proposed to potentially contribute to the etiology of PCOS. Granulosa and theca cells are known to cooperate to maintain ovarian function, and any disturbance can lead to endocrine disorders, such as PCOS. This article provides a review of the recent knowledge on PCOS pathophysiology, the role of granulosa and theca cells in PCOS pathogenesis, and the evidence linking exposure to EDCs with reproductive disorders such as PCOS.
