Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Complex Interplay

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are prevalent conditions that have been correlated with infertility through overlapped pathophysiological mechanisms. MASLD is associated with metabolic syndrome and is considered among the major causes of chronic liver disease, while PCOS, which is characterized by ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism, is one of the leading causes of female infertility. The pathophysiological links between PCOS and MASLD have not yet been fully elucidated, with insulin resistance, hyperandrogenemia, obesity, and dyslipidemia being among the key pathways that contribute to liver lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis, aggravating liver dysfunction. On the other hand, MASLD exacerbates insulin resistance and metabolic dysregulation in women with PCOS, creating a vicious cycle of disease progression. Understanding the intricate relationship between MASLD and PCOS is crucial to improving clinical management, while collaborative efforts between different medical specialties are essential to optimize fertility and liver health outcomes in individuals with MASLD and PCOS. In this review, we summarize the complex interplay between MASLD and PCOS, highlighting the importance of increasing clinical attention to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of both entities.