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The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach as an Alternative Non-mammalian Animal Model to Investigate Virulence, Pathogenesis, and Drug Efficacy
Published on: November 24, 2017
Evidence from animal models on the pathogenesis of PCOS
K A Walters1, M J Bertoldo1, D J Handelsman2
1Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
Abstract:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine condition in women, and is characterized by reproductive, endocrine and metabolic features. However, there is no simple unequivocal diagnostic test for PCOS, its etiology remains unknown and there is no cure. Hence, the management of PCOS is suboptimal as it relies on the ad hoc empirical management of its symptoms only. Decisive studies are required to unravel the origins of PCOS, but due to ethical and logistical reasons these are not possible in humans. Experimental animal models for PCOS have been established which have enhanced our understanding of the mechanisms underlying PCOS and propose novel mechanism-based therapies to treat the condition. This review examines the findings from various animal models to reveal the current knowledge of the mechanisms underpinning the development of PCOS, and also provides insights into the implications from these studies for improved clinical management of this disorder.
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