Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age, is characterized by anovulation, and the mechanisms leading to this are under investigation. Advanced glycosylated end products (AGEs) are a marker of oxidative stress, which has been linked with oocyte maturation and is involved in the pathology of anovulation. This study by Diamanti-Kandarakis et al. looked at the relationship between anti-mullerian hormone and AGEs in ovulatory and non-ovulatory women.

Sixty anovulatory and normally ovulating, 11 non-PCOS anovulatory and 25 normal women were studied for biochemical, hormonal and ultrasonographic parameters. The study found higher levels of anti-mullerian hormone in the anovulatory PCOS women and higher levels of AGEs in anovulatory and ovulatory PCOS women. The authors conclude that the data show for the first time that the oxidative marker AGEs and anti-mullerian hormone may interact in anovulatory mechanisms in PCOS women.

Diamanti-Kandarakis, E., Piouka, A., Livadas, S., Piperi, C., Katsikis, I., Papavassiliou, A.G., Panidis, D. European Journal of Endocrinology 2009 160: 847-853 DOI: 10.1530/EJE-08-0510