Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model
Published on: March 5, 2022
Metabolic syndrome and oocyte quality
Eden Cardozo1, Mary Ellen Pavone, Jennifer E Hirshfeld-Cytron
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 N St Clair Street Suite 1845 Chicago, IL 60611, Evanston, IL, USA.
Metabolic syndrome impacts many women, increasing risks for heart disease and diabetes. This review explores how metabolic syndrome affects ovarian and endometrial function, impacting female fertility and reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Women's Health
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome affects 25% of US women, with rising incidence.
- It is linked to coronary artery disease, diabetes, and reproductive issues like infertility.
- Overlap exists with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), exacerbating reproductive dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review animal and human data on metabolic syndrome's impact on reproductive health.
- To investigate abnormalities at the ovarian and/or endometrial levels.
- To elucidate mechanisms underlying poor reproductive outcomes in affected women.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of animal and human studies.
- Analysis of data on metabolic syndrome and reproductive function.
- Examination of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Metabolic syndrome is associated with significant reproductive dysfunction in women.
- Evidence suggests abnormalities in both ovarian and endometrial function.
- Underlying mechanisms contribute to infertility and adverse reproductive outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic syndrome poses a considerable threat to female reproductive health.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and address these reproductive complications.
- Targeting metabolic dysfunction may improve fertility and reproductive outcomes in women.
Related Concept Videos
Oogenesis
Oogenesis
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
Meiosis vs. Mitosis
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Ovarian Cycle
Meiosis II
The timing and cell division patterns of meiosis differ between males and females. In male meiosis, the centrosomes are part of the formation of the meiotic spindle. However, in oocytes, including that of humans, Drosophila,...
