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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

A Modified Technique for Inducing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Mice
Published on: July 5, 2024
Resveratrol-Mediated Regulation of Molecular and Cellular Signaling Networks in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Ruirui Hou1, Xinyu Hu1, Dong Guo1
1School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 250355 Jinan, Shandong, China.
Abstract:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine-metabolic disorder characterized by dysregulated ovarian signaling, metabolic inflammation, insulin resistance, and aberrant angiogenesis, for which effective disease-modifying therapies remain limited. Resveratrol (RES), a pleiotropic polyphenol, has attracted increasing attention for its ability to modulate multiple molecular and cellular pathways implicated in PCOS pathophysiology. In this review, we synthesize current evidence to clarify how RES regulates key pathological signaling networks in PCOS, including ovarian follicular dysfunction, impaired insulin signaling, hyperandrogenism, oxidative stress, and vascular remodeling. Rather than merely cataloguing isolated mechanisms, we integrate findings from experimental models to highlight major convergent nodes-such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-related pathways-through which RES may exert coordinated regulatory effects at the cellular and tissue levels. We further examine the available clinical studies to assess the translational relevance of these mechanistic insights, with particular emphasis on phenotypic heterogeneity, dose dependence, and the treatment window. Although clinical outcomes remain modest and variable, the available evidence suggests that RES may provide context-dependent benefits in selected PCOS subtypes. Collectively, this review offers a network-based framework linking the molecular actions of RES to the complex pathophysiology of PCOS and identifies key knowledge gaps that must be addressed to improve translational precision and therapeutic applicability.
Insights
Resveratrol (RES) shows promise for treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by targeting key molecular pathways involved in its complex pathophysiology. Further research is needed to optimize its therapeutic use in specific PCOS patient subtypes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine-metabolic disorder with limited effective treatments.
- Resveratrol (RES), a polyphenol, demonstrates potential in modulating PCOS-related molecular and cellular pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize evidence on how RES regulates key pathological signaling networks in PCOS.
- To integrate findings from experimental models and clinical studies to assess RES's translational relevance in PCOS.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of experimental models and clinical studies on Resveratrol's effects in PCOS.
- Analysis of RES's impact on signaling pathways including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, SIRT1/AMPK, NF-κB, and VEGF.
Main Results:
- RES modulates multiple pathways implicated in PCOS pathophysiology, including ovarian dysfunction, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, oxidative stress, and vascular remodeling.
- Evidence suggests RES may offer context-dependent benefits in specific PCOS subtypes, though clinical outcomes are variable.
Conclusions:
- RES exhibits potential as a disease-modifying therapy for PCOS by targeting convergent molecular nodes.
- Further research is crucial to address knowledge gaps for improving RES's translational precision and therapeutic application in PCOS.
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