Association of Superoxide Dismutase Level in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Several biomarkers involved in oxidative stress may influence polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) has been commonly identified as dismutase enzyme catalyzes the conversion of superoxide to hydrogen peroxide and elemental oxygen, and could serve as an important biomarker in this direction. The objective of the present study to determine the precise role of SOD levels in women with PCOS using a meta-analysis approach. The electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Sciences, Clinical trial.gov, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review were searched for obtaining relevant studies on the association of SOD level in women with PCOS. Pooled standardized mean difference with 95% CI was computed using the DerSimonian and Liard method. A total of 267 articles were screened, out of which 12 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the present meta-analysis involving 558 cases and 529 controls. Analysis including overall studies observed a higher SOD level (statistically non-significant) in women with PCOS compared to controls (SMD 0.35, 95% Cl -0.91 to 1.62, P = 0.58), however, statistically significant higher SOD levels were noted in studies using serum as a source of sample (SMD 1.53, 95% CI 0.25 to 2.81, P = 0.019). In conclusion, women with PCOS exhibited increased SOD levels compared to controls suggesting that the byproduct of oxidative damage is expected to be increased in women with PCOS.