The Role of Heat Shock Proteins in the Pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Review of the Literature

Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) play a significant role in the development of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder in women. HSPs, which maintain cellular proteostasis, have abnormal expression in PCOS, affecting the proliferation and apoptotic rates of ovarian cells and immunological processes. This dysregulation leads to an imbalance in proliferation/apoptosis that impacts follicle stage development, resulting in polycystic ovaries. HSPs are also associated with insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress. The review suggests that modulating HSP activity could lead to new treatment strategies for PCOS. However, more research is needed to understand the detailed mechanisms of HSPs' impact on ovarian cells, their role in PCOS pathogenesis, and their potential therapeutic use.