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Gut Microbiome and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Interplay of Associated Microbial-Metabolite Pathways and Therapeutic Strategies

  • Reproductive Biology: Review
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Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted disease with an intricate etiology affecting reproductive-aged women. Despite attempts to unravel the pathophysiology, the molecular mechanism of PCOS remains unknown. There are no effective or suitable therapeutic strategies available to ameliorate PCOS; however, the symptoms can be managed. In recent years, a strong association has been found between the gut microbiome and PCOS, leading to the formulation of novel ideas on the genesis and pathological processes of PCOS. Further, gut microbiome dysbiosis involving microbial metabolites may trigger PCOS symptoms via many mechanistic pathways including those associated with carbohydrates, short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides, bile acids, and gut–brain axis. We present the mechanistic pathways of PCOS-related microbial metabolites and therapeutic opportunities available to treat PCOS, such as prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota therapy. In addition, the current review highlights the emerging treatment strategies available to alleviate the symptoms of PCOS.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the management of the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, for providing the necessary facilities and encouragement to carry out this work.

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  1. Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India

    Achsha Babu, V Devi Rajeswari, V Ganesh, Soumik Das & Gnanasambandan Ramanathan

  2. Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Knowledge Corridor, Raisan Village, PDPU Road, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382426, India

    Sivaraman Dhanasekaran

  3. Department of Obstetrics And Gynecology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India

    G Usha Rani

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Gnanasambandan Ramanathan contributed to the study’s conception and design. Devi Rajeswari, Ganesh V, Usha Rani, Sivaraman Dhanasekaran contributed to critical revision and comments. Soumik Das contributed to the selection of articles and extraction of data. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Achsha Babu and Gnanasambandan Ramanathan with critical comments and modified the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Babu, A., Devi Rajeswari, V., Ganesh, V. et al. Gut Microbiome and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Interplay of Associated Microbial-Metabolite Pathways and Therapeutic Strategies. Reprod. Sci. 31, 1508–1520 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-023-01450-2

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