What Is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the main cause of anovulatory infertility. It is estimated to have prevalence as it represents 20%-33% in the general population. The pathophysiology of this syndrome is still not completely understood as it has not been addressed clearly. The results of initial autopsies of placenta from women with PCOS has shown macroscopic and microscopic alteration in comparison to healthy control group. 

DENND1A, or Differentially Expressed in Normal and Neoplastic Development isoform A1, is a gene identified as a potential risk marker. This protein is more expressed in PCOS cells compared to normal cells that subsequently resulting in increased androgen biosynthesis. It is proven that DENND1A variant 2 is potentially one of the mechanisms involved with the intrinsic abnormality in ovarian cells steroidogenesis in PCOS. 

PCOS women show a normal number of primordial follicles and primary and secondary follicles are increased significantly. Because of the derangement in factors involved during normal follicular development, its growth get impacted. The follicular growth becomes arrested as the follicles reach a diameter between 4 to 8 mm. As a result, the dominant follicle does not develop and the ovulation does not ensue. 

The pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-1 activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. HPA axis controls adrenal steroidogenesis and metabolic factors including insulin and obesity related signals. Also, IL-6, TNFa and MCP-1 were found to have a high statistical significance in PCOS women. The cytokine array/panel measurements can be performed using a very small blood sample as a screening diagnostic tool. The cytokine panel testing will be an important  diagnostic monitoring tool during the protocol used for PCOS treatment with the support of the hormonal testing conducted routinely.

Ask your doctor about the Biomarker testing. The biomarker's testing as preventive medicine: a new approach to stay healthy. Biomarkers are useful for:

• Disease prevention and screening
• Monitoring disease progress and response to treatment
• Drug selection

Our laboratory services are for informational purposes only. It is not the intention of Canada Metabolic Inflammation Diagnostics Inc. to provide specific medical advice but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health. Specific medical advice including diagnosis and treatment will not be provided. Always seek the advice of a trained health professional for medical adivce, diagnosis or treatment.