Concurrent autoimmune and endocrine dysregulation in polycystic ovary syndrome

Concurrent autoimmune and endocrine dysregulation in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and a polycystic ovarian morphology. Emerging evidence suggests that autoimmunity may contribute to PCOS pathogenesis. Methodology In this cross-sectional study, 100 women with PCOS and...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Halah Amer Abduljabbar, Majid Mohammed Mahmood, Methaq J. Al-Jbooriay, Manal Taha Al-obaidi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2025-07-01
Series:Middle East Fertility Society Journal
Subjects:
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Autoantibodies
Anti-thyroid peroxidase
Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase
Anti-thrombopoietin
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s43043-025-00236-7
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Summary:Abstract Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and a polycystic ovarian morphology. Emerging evidence suggests that autoimmunity may contribute to PCOS pathogenesis. Methodology In this cross-sectional study, 100 women with PCOS and 78 age-matched healthy controls underwent clinical assessment, hormonal profiling (FSH, LH, LH/FSH ratio, total testosterone, AMH, prolactin, and thyroid hormones), and autoantibody measurement (anti‐ovarian (AoA), anti‐thyroid peroxidase (anti‐TPO), anti‐thrombopoietin [anti‐THPO], and anti‐GAD) using validated immunoassays. Results PCOS participants demonstrated higher BMI, hyperandrogenism, elevated LH/FSH ratio, increased AMH and prolactin levels, and mild thyroid hormone elevation. The autoantibody levels (anti-TPO, anti-THPO, anti-GAD, and AoA) were significantly higher in the PCOS (p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis identified anti-TPO (AUC = 0.90) and anti-GAD (AUC = 0.86) as strong discriminators. In the multivariate logistic regression, anti‐THPO (OR = 1.97 per ng/mL, p = 0.0052), anti‐TPO (OR = 1.48 per IU/mL, p = 0.048), and anti‐GAD (OR = 1.52 per ng/mL, p = 0.0046) remained independent predictors of PCOS. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between the LH/FSH ratio and AMH (r = 0.300, p = 0.002), testosterone and anti‐TPO (r = 0.385, p < 0.001), and anti‐GAD and AMH (r =  − 0.251, p = 0.012). Conclusions Autoimmune markers coexist with classical endocrine abnormalities in PCOS patients. Incorporating targeted autoantibody screening may improve PCOS characterization and guide personalized management.
ISSN:2090-3251

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