Abstract:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common syndrome in adolescent women and women of reproductive age. Main manifestations are oligomenorrhea, anovulation, polycystic ovarian, and hyperandrogenism with metabolic abnormalities such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance. PCOS can lead to type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and endometrial cancer, which seriously threat the health of women. The pathogenesis of PCOS is not clear. Over 60% of women with PCOS are obese or overweight. Appetite and energy intake regulation plays an important role in body weight management. Nutrients are mainly digested and absorbed in gastrointestinal track, which is also one of the largest endocrine organs in human body. Special endocrine epithelial cells in stomach, proximal small intestine, and distal small intestine can secrete ghrelin, CCK, GLP-1, and PYY, which involve in the regulation of appetite and are also known as appetite regulating hormones. This review focuses on changes in the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones and related weight loss treatment in patients with PCOS.

Key words: gastrointestinal hormones, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome