Mechanisms By Which Obesity Affect Ovarian Function

Candidate genes allow researchers to come up with rational hypothesis of role of these genes and their contribution to different conditions, in this case obesity. Therefore, they are potential predisposition factors. Candidate genes are chosen on a basis of knowledge of their function, biochemistry and their expression pattern (what protein they encode for and where is this protein mainly expressed) in obesity. At present, there are about 300 genes that have been hypothesized to contribute (to some extent) to obesity development.

The pathophysiology of obesity is when there is a buildup of excess body fat. This excess body fat is determined by calculating a person body mass index (BMI). The BMI is calculated by an individual’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of a person’s height in metersthis allows us to come up with appropriate range of weight to an individual’s height. The body mass index is used to find out if an individual is overweight or obese. Individuals who’s BMI that have a range of 25 to 29.99 are thought to be pre- obese and overweight When an individual body mass index has surpassed 30kg this person is considered obese. As an individual’sBMI increases they become part of a different class of obesity there’s class I which is 30-34.9, class II

Causes of obesity include lifestyle choices such as diets, lack of physical activity, psychological, environmental, genetics, medical conditions, effects of medication, lack of awareness and its implications as well as lack of education in the community. According to Sethi & Vidal-Puig (2007) there is a high risk of developing a wide range of health problems including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, infertility and osteoarthritis when obese and puts

Since PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder for women of reproductive ages, Questions to explore are: How does lifestyle factors such as obesity impacts the development of PCOS, how does PCOS affects a women quality of life and what are the best treatment options?

“ 1. Adipokines are hormones produced by adipose tissue. /…/ Adipokines have effects not only on tissues but [also] on the hypothalamic and pancreatic function. /…/ 2. Elevated serum free fatty acids and high intracellular deposits of triglycerides and cholesterol. These lead to metabolic overload with interfere of insulin signaling and a decrease in tissue response to insulin. 3. Obesity causes release of inflammatory cytokines. /…/ These play an important role in the genesis of a fatty liver [which impairs the function]. 4.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder diagnosed in women of reproductive age. The disease manifests itself with varying symptoms and has long term consequences of heart disease, diabetes, and infertility. PCOS has no clear etiology or pathophysiology, and as new information is being contributed, the mechanism and components of the disease is being updated. Presented here are the most understood and accepted components of PCOS, and its pathology as a reproductive disorder along with its endocrine and metabolic relationships. PCOS pathophysiology exhibits itself mainly through increased androgen synthesis through ovaries and adrenal glands causing follicle growth to halt in the antral stage. Its etiology has been determined to be multifactorial with both genetic and environmental factors causing or increasing effects. Genetics of PCOS have shown its transmission to be in autosomal dominant fashion while environmental factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, and intrauterine environment contributes to its phenotype. Relationships between the factors are discussed and how they contribute to the overall phenotype.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive aged women, with a prevalence of 16.6-18% according to the 2003 Rotterdam criteria (1-3). Though PCOS is extremely common, up to 70% of women with the syndrome are undiagnosed (3). The PCOS diagnosis is one of ovarian dysfunction and hyperandrogenism, and as such has important implications for reproductive health (see Table 1; NIH, 2012). However, in addition to these reproductive criteria – which tend to manifest as hirsutism, infertility, and pregnancy complications – PCOS is marked by

Pregnancy in Overweight and Obese Women Which Is Maintained Post-partum." Obesity Research & Clinical Practice (2012): 84. Print.

The ovary is a critical organ of the female reproductive and endocrine system. When preforming in an optimal manner, the ovary functions as a gonad, by producing mature gametes and by synthesizing and excreting hormones within a set point. It is essential for sexual maturation and reproduction. When it deviates away from this normal physiology, many serious heath problems can emerge. A principal example of ovarian abnormal physiology is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most prominent endocrinopathies in the world, affecting anywhere between 5-10% of the female population (Dunaif, 1995). Although this disease affects so many women, not much is known about the exact origin of it and all of the shortcomings

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), also known as Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very common ailment affecting 5% to 10% of females in the age group 12–45 years. It is an issue in which a lady’s hormones are out of balance. It can cause complications with menstrual periods and make it problematic for her to conceive. The main features include no ovulation, irregular periods, acne and hirsuitism. If not treated, it can cause insulin resistant diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol levels, leading to heart ailment.

Women with PCOS exhibit high LH levels and thereby have elevated production of androgens by theca cells. Hyperandrogenism can, in turn, suppress FSH production, leading to ovarian dysfunction, anovulation and infertility. The prevalence of PCOS in women with RPL runs as high as 56% 79,80,81. Obesity coupled with high LH levels can hinder ovarian folliculogenesis and increase the risk of miscarriage. Studies have also suggested an association among PCOS and hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperhomocysteinemia. Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance can negatively affect implantation by decreasing activity of cell adhesion proteins. Hyperhomocysteinemia can also result in miscarriage because of its pro-coagulative nature, similar to cases of thrombophilia

Insulin aids in regulation of ovarian function and overproduction of insulin causes the ovaries to produce high amounts of androgens.9 High levels of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulate the ovarian thecal cells to produce a greater amount of androgens such as 17-hydroprogesterone, testosterone and progesterone.9 Furthermore, thecal cells contain a higher level of cytochrome P450 11A, CYP17 and 3-HSD2 genes.9 Increased androgens stimulate visceral adipose tissue to produce free fatty

The obesity epidemic has become one of America’s most serious health crises. The rising obesity rate has contributed to numerous significant health problems and diseases. One specific group for whom obesity is a problem is women of childbearing age. According to Davis, Madan, and Schmatz(2010), more than half of women from ages 18 to 42 in the United States are considered overweight or preobese, while about one-third are obese. Maternal obesity not only contributes to complications that affect the mother and fetus while in gestation, but long-term complications

There are many long-term consequences of PCOS. If PCOS is not properly treated there is a bigger chance of having long-term consequences. One of these consequences is type II diabetes. Women with PCOS frequently have hyperinsulinism and insulin resistance. Women who have irregular ovulation tend to have more insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a precursor to diabetes, so PCOS patients are more at risk of developing diabetes. It is also shown that women with PCOS are more at risk of having glucose intolerance. Researchers found that women with PCOS also have an increased incidence of mortality related to diabetes complications (Nandi et al., 2014).

A series of intraovarian growth factors [insulin-like growth factors (IGF), AMH, growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9) and inhibin] and extra-ovarian factors (GH, IGF-1 and insulin) seem to act together in a process that triggers anovulation or early pregnancy loss through the impairment of folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, steroidogenesis and endometrial receptivity but whether these abnormalities are the direct cause of anovulation and pregnancy loss, or the consequence of deranged steroidogenesis has to be determined (15). Whereas underweight is associated with poor fetal growth and increased pregnancy loss, overweight is more strongly associated with diseases in pregnancy, pregnancy loss, stillbirth and