Oncostatin M: friend or foe in PCOS pathogenesis?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a primary endocrinological disorder in women of reproductive age that is characterized by androgen excess and ovulatory irregularities. This syndrome is associated with adipose tissue dysfunction, an elevated risk of insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Adipocyte dysfunction affects the secretion of adipokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, adipose tissue is not an exclusive source of adipokines as it can also be produced locally by reproductive tissues. Although adipokines have been recognized in the development of PCOS, the role of oncostatin M (OSM), a multifaceted adipokine, remains unclear. Current evidence suggests that this cytokine is associated with key aspects of the syndrome, including obesity, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and inflammation. However, the data are often contradictory, likely due to variations in study designs, methodologies, and species differences. By investigating the link between OSM and PCOS-associated issues, this review identified the potential role of this adipokine in PCOS pathogenesis. This underscores the need for further research to clarify its predominant effects and assess its relevance as a therapeutic target.