Prolactin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Metabolic Effects and Therapeutic Prospects
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder in premenopausal women, characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. Patients frequently present comorbidities, including obesity, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose and...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2023-10-01
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| Series: | Life |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/13/11/2124 |
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| author | Lara Mastnak Rok Herman Simona Ferjan Andrej Janež Mojca Jensterle |
| author_facet | Lara Mastnak Rok Herman Simona Ferjan Andrej Janež Mojca Jensterle |
| author_sort | Lara Mastnak |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder in premenopausal women, characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. Patients frequently present comorbidities, including obesity, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose and lipid metabolism. The diverse clinical presentation may mimic various endocrine disorders, making the diagnosis challenging in some clinical circumstances. Prolactin (PRL) is a recommended biomarker in the initial diagnostic workup to rule out hyperprolactinemia (HPRL). The traditional role of PRL is linked to lactation and the reproductive system. Recent research highlights PRL’s emerging role in metabolic homeostasis. PRL influences metabolism directly by interacting with the pancreas, liver, hypothalamus, and adipose tissue. Its influence on an individual’s metabolism is intricately tied to its serum concentration. While deficient and very high levels of PRL can negatively affect metabolism, intermediate–normal to moderately high levels may promote metabolic health. In women with PCOS, PRL levels may be altered. Research results on different aspects of the relationship between PCOS and the impact of various levels of PRL on metabolic homeostasis are limited and inconsistent. In this narrative literature review, we comprehensively examined data on serum PRL levels in PCOS patients. We investigated the correlation between a favorable metabolic profile and serum PRL levels in this population. Furthermore, we explored the concept of beneficial PRL effects on metabolism and discussed the potential therapeutic application of dopamine agonists in PCOS treatment. Lastly, we emphasized several promising avenues for future research in this field. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T16:40:25Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-bdcf419ed9964dd395058b72d6c6cd7f |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2075-1729 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T16:40:25Z |
| publishDate | 2023-10-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Life |
| spelling | doaj.art-bdcf419ed9964dd395058b72d6c6cd7f2023-11-24T14:52:16ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292023-10-011311212410.3390/life13112124Prolactin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Metabolic Effects and Therapeutic ProspectsLara Mastnak0Rok Herman1Simona Ferjan2Andrej Janež3Mojca Jensterle4Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, SloveniaDepartment of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, SloveniaDepartment of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, SloveniaDepartment of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, SloveniaDepartment of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, SloveniaPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder in premenopausal women, characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. Patients frequently present comorbidities, including obesity, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose and lipid metabolism. The diverse clinical presentation may mimic various endocrine disorders, making the diagnosis challenging in some clinical circumstances. Prolactin (PRL) is a recommended biomarker in the initial diagnostic workup to rule out hyperprolactinemia (HPRL). The traditional role of PRL is linked to lactation and the reproductive system. Recent research highlights PRL’s emerging role in metabolic homeostasis. PRL influences metabolism directly by interacting with the pancreas, liver, hypothalamus, and adipose tissue. Its influence on an individual’s metabolism is intricately tied to its serum concentration. While deficient and very high levels of PRL can negatively affect metabolism, intermediate–normal to moderately high levels may promote metabolic health. In women with PCOS, PRL levels may be altered. Research results on different aspects of the relationship between PCOS and the impact of various levels of PRL on metabolic homeostasis are limited and inconsistent. In this narrative literature review, we comprehensively examined data on serum PRL levels in PCOS patients. We investigated the correlation between a favorable metabolic profile and serum PRL levels in this population. Furthermore, we explored the concept of beneficial PRL effects on metabolism and discussed the potential therapeutic application of dopamine agonists in PCOS treatment. Lastly, we emphasized several promising avenues for future research in this field.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/13/11/2124polycystic ovary syndromeprolactinmetabolic homeostasiscardiometabolic markersdopamine agonist |
| spellingShingle | Lara Mastnak Rok Herman Simona Ferjan Andrej Janež Mojca Jensterle Prolactin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Metabolic Effects and Therapeutic Prospects Life polycystic ovary syndrome prolactin metabolic homeostasis cardiometabolic markers dopamine agonist |
| title | Prolactin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Metabolic Effects and Therapeutic Prospects |
| title_full | Prolactin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Metabolic Effects and Therapeutic Prospects |
| title_fullStr | Prolactin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Metabolic Effects and Therapeutic Prospects |
| title_full_unstemmed | Prolactin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Metabolic Effects and Therapeutic Prospects |
| title_short | Prolactin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Metabolic Effects and Therapeutic Prospects |
| title_sort | prolactin in polycystic ovary syndrome metabolic effects and therapeutic prospects |
| topic | polycystic ovary syndrome prolactin metabolic homeostasis cardiometabolic markers dopamine agonist |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/13/11/2124 |
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