Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder of reproductive-aged females. However, much of its pathophysiology is not well investigated or understood. Research has demonstrated an association between PCOS and metabolic dysfunction, including insulin resistance. The aim of this review was to investigate how immunological dysregulation might be mediating these metabolic disturbances, as well as how exercise might modulate the over-inflammatory state that has been observed in the PCOS population. A review of literature was conducted using PubMed, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Results indicated that women with PCOS had higher levels of immunological mediators at baseline when compared to their counterparts without PCOS, suggestive of dysregulated immunological mechanisms. Despite exercise demonstrating benefits in lowering these inflammatory markers in women with PCOS, participants enrolled in exercise programs were unsuccessful in reaching the levels of inflammation comparable to women without PCOS. Further research is warranted to continue investigation into the mechanisms behind the over-inflammatory state observed in women with PCOS and how to best advise patients in managing such inflammation for an improved quality of life.