Animal models of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has an endocrine pathophysiology that needs immediate clinical attention for effective mitigation, as a significant portion of the reproductive population is affected globally. Current treatment options for PCOS are symptom-specific, and more extensive research is imperative to meet the therapeutic needs of the disease. Besides in vitro studies, the assessment of novel anti-PCOS drugs can be more effectively carried out through in vivo experimentation, for which the choice of appropriate animal models based on parameters and pathways to be evaluated is crucial. For a good preclinical evaluation, the animal model must ensure disease reproducibility and predictive validity. The present review provides insights into the animal models reported in the literature for PCOS studies and the aspects in which various therapeutics under study can be evaluated using these models. These animal models are also classified based on the mode of induction, duration essential for induction, and species. Besides, mammalian, non-mammalian and transgenic models are also included. This review will provide a detailed analysis to the researchers working in the domain of PCOS to facilitate an easy choice of appropriate animal model for their study and to identify the scope of developing newer animal models for PCOS study.