Is PCOS an inflammatory process?

Pro-PCOS is associated with low-grade systemic inflammation as evidenced by elevation of multiple markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein, interleukin-18, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and white blood cell count as well as endothelial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. Con-Current studies examining the evidence for low grade inflammation in PCOS are small, heterogeneous for the diagnosis, confounded by degree of adiposity and do not consistently demonstrate a clinically relevant increase in the above mentioned biomarkers. (Fertil Steril (R) 2012;97: 7-12. (C) 2012 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)