Endocrine Abstracts

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is now globally recognised as the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age and has a prevalence of 5-21% depending on the criteria used (NIH, Rotterdam or Androgen Excess Society). What is special about the syndrome is its dual entity involving both the reproductive and metabolic profile of the women affected. As a result, any intrinsic or extrinsic factors affecting both these components, could lead to pathophysiological alterations which characterize PCOS. In fact, the heterogenicity of the syndrome suggests that apart from the genetic background, the role of the environment and lifestyle are equally important. In particular, during the last twenty years, interest has been drawn to the impact of certain environmental toxins, referred by the term ‘Endocrine Disruptors’ or ‘Endocrine Distruptive Chemicals (EDCs)’, which may modify both reproductive and metabolic pathways. Western Civilization advancement in industrial products and food processing have led to increased daily exposure to Plasticizers, such as Bisphenol A and phthalates, as well as dietary glycotoxins, such as Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which may exert adverse effects on reproduction and metabolism throughout the female life span.