The Role of Aquaporins in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Way Towards a Novel Drug Target in PCOS

The document from May 1, 2017, hypothesizes that aquaporins (AQPs), specifically AQP7, AQP8, and AQP9, may play a significant role in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and could serve as novel drug targets for its treatment. The authors suggest that genetic mutations leading to the underexpression or malfunction of these AQPs could contribute to PCOS by disrupting folliculogenesis and follicular atresia. They highlight the involvement of AQP7 and AQP9 in adipose tissue metabolism, which may be linked to PCOS symptoms such as obesity and insulin resistance. Additionally, AQP8's role in granulosa cell function and follicle development is discussed, with the potential implication that its abnormal expression might be involved in PCOS. The document emphasizes the need for further research to confirm these hypotheses and to understand the specific functions of AQPs in the ovary, particularly in granulosa cells, to better understand the pathophysiology of PCOS.