EMPA in PCOS increased SOD1 (− 0.06 ± 0.10 vs − 0.78 ± 0.15, P < 0.05) and SOD2 (− 0.14 ± 0.11 vs − 0.84 ± 0.14, P < 0.05) mRNA expression, with no impact on catalase. Here, SOD2 is linked to polycystic ovary syndrome.