Nanotechnology-Driven Antioxidants and Immunomodulators for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Therapy

PCOS is a complex disorder of the endocrine system characterized by the presence of multiple cysts within the ovaries, affecting women of reproductive age, and also involving chronic, low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, and problems with immunological regulation, among others. It is true that the traditional treatment of PCOS focuses on the hormonal dysregulation and imbalance, but remains a blind spot the inflammation that contributes to the dysregulation of the metabolic and reproductive systems. The use of nano immunology and, specifically nano-therapy, focuses on the development of nano-antioxidants and other immuno-modulatory agents. They offer unique and new opportunities for PCOS treatment. This chapter describes the inflammation- PCOS linkage from a mechanistic perspective and elaborates on the ovarian inflammation caused by excess reactive oxygen species and immune cells. It also describes how engineered nano-antioxidants are able to remove excess reactive oxygen species and restore the redox balance and immune modulation, and describes the clinical proposal of immuno-modulators, chemical and natural, to diminish PCOS systemic and local inflammation. There is a strong emphasis on the ability and the promise that systems of nanotechnology offer for the postulation of PCOS treatment aimed on the inflammation and dysregulation of the immune system.