The Implication of Mechanistic Approaches and the Role of the Microbiome in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Review

Abstract

As a complex endocrine and metabolic condition, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects women's reproductive health. These common symptoms include hirsutism, hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, irregular menstruation, and infertility. No one knows what causes it or how to stop it yet. Alterations in gut microbiota composition and disruptions in secondary bile acid production appear to play a causative role in developing PCOS. PCOS pathophysiology and phenotypes are tightly related to both enteric and vaginal bacteria. Patients with PCOS exhibit changed microbiome compositions and decreased microbial diversity. Intestinal microorganisms also alter PCOS patient phenotypes by upregulating or downregulating hormone release, gut-brain mediators, and metabolite synthesis. The human body's gut microbiota, also known as the "second genome," can interact with the environment to improve metabolic and immunological function. Inflammation is connected to PCOS and may be caused by dysbiosis in the gut microbiome. This review sheds light on the recently discovered connections between gut microbiota and insulin resistance (IR) and the potential mechanisms of PCOS. This study also describes metabolomic studies to obtain a clear view of PCOS and ways to tackle it.

Keywords: PCOS; metabolomics; metagenomics; microbiome; therapy.

Figure 1

This figure represents various aspects of PCOS. PCOS increases the risk of NAFLD, CVD, and other MetS. Additionally, PCOS leads to serine phosphorylation, ovulatory abnormalities, and endometrial dysfunction. Obesity and dyslipidemia also pose a risk for PCOS.