Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
Mol Cell Biochem. 2024 Mar;479(3):467-486. doi: 10.1007/s11010-023-04736-w. Epub 2023 Apr 25.
The nuclear factor κappa B (NF-κB) signaling plays a well-known function in inflammation and regulates a wide variety of biological processes. Low-grade chronic inflammation is gradually considered to be closely related to the pathogenesis of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this review, we provide an overview on the involvement of NF-κB in the progression of PCOS particularly, such as hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, and endometrial dysfunction. From a clinical perspective, progressive recognition of NF-κB pathway provides opportunities for therapeutic interventions aimed at inhibiting pathway-specific mechanisms. With the accumulation of basic experimental and clinical data, NF-κB signaling pathway was recognized as a therapeutic target. Although there have been no specific small molecule NF-κB inhibitors in PCOS, a plethora of natural and synthetic compound have emerged for the pharmacologic intervention of the pathway. The traditional herbs developed for NF-κB pathway have become increasingly popular in recent years. Abundant evidence elucidated that NF-κB inhibitors can significantly improve the symptoms of PCOS. Herein, we summarized evidence relating to how NF-κB pathway is involved in the development and progression of PCOS. Furthermore, we present an in-depth overview of NF-κB inhibitors for therapy interventions of PCOS. Taken together, the NF-κB signaling may be a futuristic treatment strategy for PCOS.
核因子 κappa B（NF-κB）信号通路在炎症中起着众所周知的作用，并调节着广泛的生物过程。低水平慢性炎症逐渐被认为与多囊卵巢综合征（PCOS）的发病机制密切相关。在这篇综述中，我们概述了 NF-κB 参与 PCOS 的进展，特别是高雄激素血症、胰岛素抵抗、心血管疾病和子宫内膜功能障碍。从临床角度来看，对 NF-κB 通路的不断认识为旨在抑制特定通路机制的治疗干预提供了机会。随着基础实验和临床数据的积累，NF-κB 信号通路被认为是一个治疗靶点。尽管 PCOS 中尚未有特异性的小分子 NF-κB 抑制剂，但大量的天然和合成化合物已被用于该通路的药理学干预。近年来，针对 NF-κB 通路开发的传统草药越来越受欢迎。大量证据表明，NF-κB 抑制剂可显著改善 PCOS 的症状。本文总结了 NF-κB 通路如何参与 PCOS 的发生和发展的证据。此外，我们还深入概述了 NF-κB 抑制剂在 PCOS 治疗干预中的应用。综上所述，NF-κB 信号通路可能是 PCOS 的一种有前途的治疗策略。
