Anti-Müllerian hormone in PCOS: Molecular regulation and emerging therapeutic strategies

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a glycoprotein belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily, is a key regulator of ovarian folliculogenesis. Dysregulated AMH expression is a hallmark of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized b...

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Main Authors: Yunmei Ke, Dan Tang, Qin Yang, Han Zhao, Jinyan Zheng, Caifen Zhu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Association of Basic Medical Sciences of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2025-04-01
Series:Biomolecules & Biomedicine
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Online Access:https://www.bjbms.org/ojs/index.php/bjbms/article/view/12070
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author Yunmei Ke
Dan Tang
Qin Yang
Han Zhao
Jinyan Zheng
Caifen Zhu
author_facet Yunmei Ke
Dan Tang
Qin Yang
Han Zhao
Jinyan Zheng
Caifen Zhu
author_sort Yunmei Ke
collection DOAJ
description Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a glycoprotein belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily, is a key regulator of ovarian folliculogenesis. Dysregulated AMH expression is a hallmark of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Elevated AMH levels in PCOS impair follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) sensitivity, disrupt follicular maturation, and contribute to androgen excess—creating a feedback loop that exacerbates ovarian dysfunction. This review explores the complex regulatory mechanisms governing AMH expression, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational processes. It highlights the interplay between AMH, FSH, and androgen signaling pathways, emphasizing their roles in the pathophysiology of PCOS. Particular attention is given to the downstream SMAD-dependent signaling cascade, which mediates many of AMH’s biological effects. Additionally, we summarize emerging therapeutic strategies targeting AMH signaling, such as AMHR2 (anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type 2) antagonists, GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) antagonists, and aromatase inhibitors. A deeper understanding of AMH regulation and signaling provides critical insights into its role in PCOS progression and supports the development of novel, targeted treatments aimed at alleviating both reproductive and metabolic symptoms.
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spelling doaj-art-fe65c6efa76c47e4ad4dbac75ba499462025-08-20T02:17:33ZengAssociation of Basic Medical Sciences of Federation of Bosnia and HerzegovinaBiomolecules & Biomedicine2831-08962831-090X2025-04-0110.17305/bb.2025.12070Anti-Müllerian hormone in PCOS: Molecular regulation and emerging therapeutic strategiesYunmei Ke0Dan Tang1Qin Yang2Han Zhao3Jinyan Zheng4Caifen Zhu5Department of Reproductive Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, ChinaDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second People's Hospital of Jinning District, Kunming, Yunnan, ChinaDepartment of Reproductive Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, ChinaDepartment of Reproductive Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, ChinaDepartment of Gynecology, The Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Jinning District, Kunming, Yunnan, ChinaDepartment of Reproductive Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a glycoprotein belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily, is a key regulator of ovarian folliculogenesis. Dysregulated AMH expression is a hallmark of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Elevated AMH levels in PCOS impair follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) sensitivity, disrupt follicular maturation, and contribute to androgen excess—creating a feedback loop that exacerbates ovarian dysfunction. This review explores the complex regulatory mechanisms governing AMH expression, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational processes. It highlights the interplay between AMH, FSH, and androgen signaling pathways, emphasizing their roles in the pathophysiology of PCOS. Particular attention is given to the downstream SMAD-dependent signaling cascade, which mediates many of AMH’s biological effects. Additionally, we summarize emerging therapeutic strategies targeting AMH signaling, such as AMHR2 (anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type 2) antagonists, GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) antagonists, and aromatase inhibitors. A deeper understanding of AMH regulation and signaling provides critical insights into its role in PCOS progression and supports the development of novel, targeted treatments aimed at alleviating both reproductive and metabolic symptoms. https://www.bjbms.org/ojs/index.php/bjbms/article/view/12070Polycystic ovary syndromePCOSAnti-Müllerian hormoneAMHregulationSMAD
spellingShingle Yunmei Ke
Dan Tang
Qin Yang
Han Zhao
Jinyan Zheng
Caifen Zhu
Anti-Müllerian hormone in PCOS: Molecular regulation and emerging therapeutic strategies
Biomolecules & Biomedicine
Polycystic ovary syndrome
PCOS
Anti-Müllerian hormone
AMH
regulation
SMAD
title Anti-Müllerian hormone in PCOS: Molecular regulation and emerging therapeutic strategies
title_full Anti-Müllerian hormone in PCOS: Molecular regulation and emerging therapeutic strategies
title_fullStr Anti-Müllerian hormone in PCOS: Molecular regulation and emerging therapeutic strategies
title_full_unstemmed Anti-Müllerian hormone in PCOS: Molecular regulation and emerging therapeutic strategies
title_short Anti-Müllerian hormone in PCOS: Molecular regulation and emerging therapeutic strategies
title_sort anti mullerian hormone in pcos molecular regulation and emerging therapeutic strategies
topic Polycystic ovary syndrome
PCOS
Anti-Müllerian hormone
AMH
regulation
SMAD
url https://www.bjbms.org/ojs/index.php/bjbms/article/view/12070
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