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Gut Microbiota and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Understanding the Pathogenesis and the Role of Probiotics as a Therapeutic Strategy

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Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common disorders among women in modern societies. A variety of factors can contribute to the development of PCOS. These women often exhibit high insulin resistance (IR), hyperandrogenism, irregular periods, and infertility. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota (GMB) in women with PCOS has attracted the attention of many researchers. Porphyromonas spp., B. coprophilus, and F. prausnitzii are found in higher numbers in the gut of women with PCOS. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by the intestinal microbiota through fermentation, play an essential role in regulating metabolic activities and are helpful in reducing insulin resistance and improving PCOS symptoms. According to studies, the bacteria producing SCFAs in the gut of these women are less abundant than in healthy women. The effectiveness of using probiotic supplements has been proven to improve the condition of women with PCOS. Daily consumption of probiotics improves dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome and increases the production of SCFAs.

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Acknowledgements

The last author acknowledges the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology “Belt and Road” Innovative Talent Exchange Foreign Expert Project (Grant Number DL2023003001L).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

    Samaneh Salehi

  2. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Javad Allahverdy

  3. Students’ Research Committee, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Javad Allahverdy

  4. Dietary Supplements and Probiotic Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran

    Hadi Pourjafar

  5. Research Institute of Food Science and Technology (RIFST), Km 12 Mashhad-Quchan Highway, PO Box 91895, Mashhad, 157-356, Iran

    Khashayar Sarabandi

  6. Department of Food Materials and Process Design Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

    Seid Mahdi Jafari

  7. Halal Research Center of IRI, Iran Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

    Seid Mahdi Jafari

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Contributions

Samaneh Salehi: Writing—original draft; Investigation. Javad Allahverdy: Graphical designing; Writing—original draft. Hadi Pourjafar: Writing—original draft; Investigation. Khashayar Sarabandi: Review & editing. Seid Mahdi Jafari: Supervision; Validation; Review & editing.

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Salehi, S., Allahverdy, J., Pourjafar, H. et al. Gut Microbiota and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Understanding the Pathogenesis and the Role of Probiotics as a Therapeutic Strategy. Probiotics & Antimicro. Prot. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-024-10223-5

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