Evidence-based hormonal, mutational, and endocrine-disrupting chemical-induced zebrafish as an alternative model to study PCOS condition similar to mammalian PCOS model

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) causes swollen ovaries in women at reproductive age due to hormonal disorder with small cysts on the outer edges. The cause of the disorder is still yet to be found. Multiple factors have increased PCOS prevalence, hyperandrogenism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Various animal PCOS models have been developed to imitate the pathophysiology of PCOS in humans. Zebrafish is one of the most versatile animal experimental models because of the transparency of the embryos, small size, and rapid growth. The zebrafish similarity to higher vertebrates made it a useful non-mammalian model for PCOS drug testing and screening. This review provides an insight into the usage of zebrafish, a non-mammalian model for PCOS, as an opportunity for evaluating future initiatives in such a research domain.

Automated summary

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disease that affects women of reproductive age, characterized by swollen ovaries and small cysts on the outer edges due to hormonal disorder. The cause of PCOS is still unknown. Various factors contribute to the increased prevalence of PCOS, including hyperandrogenism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Zebrafish, as a non-mammalian model, has been developed to simulate the pathophysiology of PCOS in humans. Its transparency, small size, and rapid growth make it a versatile and useful model for PCOS drug testing and screening.