The emerging role of the gut microbiome in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Recent studies have demonstrated a close association between the gut microbiome and PCOS. Their microbial diversity may not significantly change, and the crucial role of Bacteroides spp. has been demonstrated in human PCOS. Furthermore, animal models of PCOS exhibit gut microbiome features different from those of humans with PCOS. The gut microbiome may differ in patients with PCOS because it can be affected by multiple PCOS-related factors. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome may trigger PCOS symptoms via an underlying mechanism that may involve microbial metabolites, including bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, and lipopolysaccharides. The manipulation of the gut microbiome can affect PCOS phenotypes, and prebiotic or probiotic therapy has the potential to improve PCOS symptoms. Future mechanistic studies are required to identify the causative role of these microbes and their metabolites in the pathogenesis of PCOS.