Translational Insights on Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome from an Assisted Reproduction Perspective

Emídio Vale Fernandes
Physician in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Translational Insights on Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome from an Assisted Reproduction Perspective

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, significantly impacting fertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. This research investigated the role of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) as a biomarker of reproductive success in women with PCOS undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Retrospective and prospective studies showed that high AMH levels, while indicating greater ovarian reserve, may be associated with poorer reproductive outcomes. Additionally, analysis of follicular fluid (FF) revealed that women with PCOS exhibit increased oxidative stress (OS) and hormonal imbalances, such as elevated androgens and reduced total antioxidant capacity (TAC). These alterations suggest dysfunction in granulosa cell metabolism, particularly in glycolytic and mitochondrial activity, which may impair oocyte quality and response to fertility treatments. The findings imply that combined hormone and metabolic profiles within the FF can serve as prognostic indicators and help refine clinical strategies. Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for developing more effective protocols aimed at improving reproductive outcomes for women with PCOS. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking hormones, metabolites, and oxidative stress in this condition, paving the way for personalized and improved fertility therapies.

Prof. Emídio Vale Fernandes is Invited Assistant Professor at ICBAS – School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Porto, Researcher at the Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), and Consultant in Gynecology & Obstetrics at the Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte Dr. Albino Aroso (CMIN), Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António (CHUdSA), Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António (ULSSA). He conducts clinical and healthcare activities in the Assisted Reproduction and Gamete Bank Unit. He is a subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and defended his PhD thesis in Medical Sciences titled “Translational Insights on Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome from an Assisted Reproduction Perspective” at ICBAS on july 23, 2025.