Exploring emerging concepts in the pathophysiology of PCOS: microbiome dysbiosis and immunological dysregulation
Abstract
Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex yet common endocrine disorder, affecting 5-20% of reproductive-age women, characterised by a combination of hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and metabolic dysfunction. This combination of factors has traditionally been assumed to be the causative factors for the subfertility associated with PCOS, but significant microbial dysbiosis and alterations in immune function are identified in women with PCOS, suggesting a more complicated multifactorial impact on reproduction. Microbiome alterations vary between different PCOS subtypes, suggesting that hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance can impact microbial communities. The immunological implications of these microbiome changes are still poorly understood, along with their impact on reproductive outcomes, such as implantation, miscarriage, and assisted reproduction success rates. Although therapeutic interventions are chosen based on their endocrine and metabolic effects, many of these also target the microbiome and have immunomodulatory effects. Understanding these microbiome-host interactions and immunological factors provides new insights into the complex spectrum of PCOS pathophysiology and provides the potential for novel therapeutic approaches.
Lay summary: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting up to one in five women of reproductive age. It can cause irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and difficulties with fertility. Recent…
Read the paper
Related studies
- Increased expression of circulating miRNA-93 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome may represent a novel, non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis
- Identification of key genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian cancer using an integrated bioinformatics analysis
- Identification of key pathways and genes in polycystic ovary syndrome via integrated bioinformatics analysis and prediction of small therapeutic molecules
- Regulation of Androgen Receptor Expression Alters AMPK Phosphorylation in the Endometrium: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Effect of oral administration of low-dose follicle stimulating hormone on hyperandrogenized mice as a model of polycystic ovary syndrome
- Systems pharmacology to investigate the interaction of berberine and other drugs in treating polycystic ovary syndrome
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.