Abnormal expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, characterized by increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), serum interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) has been implicated in the aetiology of PCOS (45, 46). Here, CXCL8 is linked to polycystic ovary syndrome.