Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in reproductive age women. It is associated with high risk of metabolic disorders, such as dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Obesity and insulin resistance are the two most common symptoms of PCOS. In addition to increased prevalence of obesity, the accumulation of abdominal fat is also found in non obese PCOS patients. Studies have shown that the dysfunction of adipose tissue is a risk factor for metabolic disorders. The function of adipose tissue is abnormal in PCOS patients, including impairments in lipolysis and insulin action and abnormal secretion of adipokines. These abnormalities in lipocytes contribute to the development of insulin resistance. We provide an overview of lipocytes′ dysfunction and their impact on development of metabolic disorders.

Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Obesity, Insulin resistance, Inflammation