Semin Reprod Med 2008; 26(1): 127-138
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-992933
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Statins in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Pinar H. Kodaman1 , Antoni J. Duleba2
  • 1Section of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
  • 2Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
08 January 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy affecting reproductive-aged women. The hyperandrogenemia associated with the syndrome is a result of excessive growth and steroidogenic activity of theca-interstitial tissues in response to various factors, including elevated gonadotropins, hyperinsulinemia, and oxidative stress. PCOS frequently coexists with other cardiovascular risk factors, such as dyslipidemia and systemic inflammation. Statins inhibit the synthesis of mevalonate, the key precursor to cholesterol biosynthesis, and reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Blockade of mevalonate production may also lead to decreased maturation of insulin receptors, inhibition of steroidogenesis (e.g., via limiting the amount of substrate: cholesterol), and alteration of signal transduction pathways that mediate cellular proliferation. The latter depend upon posttranslational modification of proteins (prenylation), a process mediated by mevalonate derivatives. Statins also have intrinsic antioxidant properties. Given the pleiotropic actions of statins, they are likely not only to improve the dyslipidemia associated with PCOS but may also exert other beneficial metabolic and endocrine effects.

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  • 121 Banaszewska B, Pawelczyk L, Spaczynski R Z, Dziura J, Duleba A J. Effects of simvastatin and oral contraceptive agent on polycystic ovary syndrome: prospective randomized cross-over trial.  J Clin Endocrinol Metab.. 2006;  92 456-461

Antoni J Duleba

Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California at Davis

4860 Y Street, Suite 2500 ACC, Sacramento, CA 95817

Email: Antoni.Duleba@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu