Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common female endocrine and reproductive system disorder which is found in 6–10% of the female population. PCOS is considered a multifactorial metabolic disease characterized by several clinical manifestations, such as hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries and ovulatory dysfunctions. PCOS patients have an increase in the oxidative stress with generation of excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduction of antioxidant capacity. Oxidative stress is defined as the imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the organism to defend itself from their harmful effects damaging the plasma membrane, DNA and other cell organelles, inducing apoptosis. Oxidative stress markers are circulating significantly higher in PCOS patients than in healthy women, so these can be considered as potential inducers of the PCOS pathology. Therefore, the central role of the oxidative stress may be involved in the pathophysiology of various clinical disorders including the PCOS. This chapter reviewed the role of oxidative stress and carnitine in PCOS patients, indicating the beneficial action of the carnitine pool, and L-carnitine contributes to restore the energy balance to the oocyte during folliculogenesis and maturation, which represent an important strategy to improve the intraovarian environment and increase the probability of pregnancy.