Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation Markers in Obesity-Related Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Menstrual Irregularities: A Systematic Review of Biochemical and Pharmacological Interventions
Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation Markers in Obesity-Related PCOS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v7i2.3609Keywords:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Oxidative Stress, Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidants, Obesity, Nutraceuticals, Menstrual Irregularity, Redox BalanceAbstract
Obesity in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is strongly associated with oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Elevated reactive oxygen species and depleted antioxidant defenses contribute to menstrual dysfunction, insulin resistance, and impaired follicular quality. Objective: This review summarizes clinical evidence (2018–2024) on oxidative-stress and lipid-peroxidation markers in obesity-related PCOS and evaluates the effects of pharmacological and nutraceutical interventions targeting redox balance. Methods: Electronic searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, case–control, and cross-sectional designs reporting oxidative or antioxidant biomarkers in human PCOS populations. Non-human studies and review articles were excluded. Extracted data included study design, biomarkers, interventions, and clinical outcomes. Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Observational data consistently showed elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) in women with PCOS, with greater abnormalities in obese participants. Interventional trials demonstrated significant improvements in oxidative profiles following antioxidant supplementation, particularly probiotics, selenium, ellagic acid, oleoylethanolamide, and resveratrol, with partial recovery of menstrual, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters. Conclusions: Oxidative imbalance is a defining feature of obesity-related PCOS and appears to contribute to menstrual and metabolic dysfunction. Antioxidant-based interventions show promising benefits in restoring redox balance, especially among obese women. These findings support oxidative modulation as a relevant therapeutic target in PCOS management.
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