Chronic Inflammation in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Examining Biomarker–Driven Control Strategies to Reduce Population–Level Disease Burden

Abstract

Background and Objective: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a major public health concern in India, known to cause infertility, obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular issues globally. Chronic inflammation, linked to the kynurenine pathway, is a key factor in PCOS. This review aims to identify inflammatory mediators and comorbid conditions that could be addressed through dietary or non-pharmacological interventions. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using keywords such as PCOS, metabolic dysfunction, chronic inflammation, endocrine, immune response, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Databases searched included biomedical literature databases such as PubMed (NCBI), Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, utilizing Boolean operands. Out of 112 initial search results, a total of 29 articles were selected for analysis, supplemented by directed citation searches. Results: Our review elucidates potential mechanisms of inflammation in PCOS and highlights how components of an anti-inflammatory diet may mitigate prevalent low-grade inflammation, thereby attenuating progression of the disease. Dietary supplements affecting gut health and physical fitness regimens also show promise in achieving these end goals. Conclusion and Implications for Translation: Biomarkers of low-grade inflammation (hsCRP and IL-6), balance of biochemical metabolites of the kynurenine pathway (kynurenic acid vs. quinolinic acid) and balanced diet (anti-inflammatory) counseling might help reduce the impact of PCOS as a serious public health concern in adolescent and young women. Emphasizing biomarker-driven control strategies could help prevent the widespread prevalence of PCOS and reduce the burden on health systems in the South Asian population.