Abstract

Antioxidants are substances within the cells that neutralize free radicals by providing them with an electron. Antioxidant
enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) are important for preventing damage
to oocytes and embryos caused by reactive oxygen species. Hormones such as thyroid hormones, prolactin, follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) all have a role in regulating the menstrual cycle. Several hormones become out of
whack during a case of infertility. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder that affects body
systems and leads to reproductive and metabolic complications among women of reproductive age, is considered as one of the main
cause of infertility. After 12 months of frequent coitus. The inability to conceive is known as infertility. Our study aimed to estimate
hormonal concentration and antioxidant enzymes activities among women (with and without) PCOS in Basrah -Iraq during (2021-
2022). A case control study that included 60 patients’ infertile women (30 with PCOS and 30 without PCOS), a control group of
30 entirely healthy participants aged (16 to 40) years. The results of the study showed a significant increase in each of (TSH and
prolactin) levels in PCOS comparing to the control (8.228 ± 2.261 vs 2.914 ± 1.649; P value= 0.001) and (32.999 ± 9.789 vs 9.189
± 5355; P value=0.001) respectively. While a significant decrease in each of (SOD and CAT) in patients without PCOS comparing
control (1.877 ± 0.464 vs 2.300 ± 0.852; P value= 0.021) and (0.109 ± 0.186 vs 0.236± 0.241; P value =0.021) respectively.

Key words: Antioxidant enzymes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, infertile women