Changes in the microbiome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

The gut microbiome (GM) is actively studied in terms of its impact on the development of oncological pathology, immune diseases, and metabolic disorders. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an imbalance of GM, which indirectly affects the intestinal mucosal barrier. Compared with non-obese patients and a healthy population, obese individuals with PCOS have increased numbers of Enterobacteriaceae, decreased numbers of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and changes in GM are associated with inflammation and insulin resistance. Fecal microbiota transplantation is a new method of treating inflammatory bowel diseases. GM regulation to improve the metabolism of PCOS may be one of the potential options for the future treatment of PCOS, but the specific mechanism of its action remains to be investigated. There is increasing evidence that probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics are effective treatment options for PCOS patients. Studies show that probiotics can restore the diversity of the GM of mice with PCOS, reduce the disruption of the flora and improve the reproductive function of the mice. The altered microbiome of the lower genital tract in PCOS can cause changes that are related to hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Studies show that the vaginal microbiome of women with PCOS differs from healthy women due to the domination of Mycoplasma, Prevotella, Gardnerella, Actinomyces, Enterococcus, and Atopobium. The level of female sex hormones is associated with the composition of the oral cavity microbiome, which is associated with such oral pathology as periodontal disease. A study of periodontal pathogens and their prevalence in women with PCOS found that healthy women had higher levels of Peptostreptococcus and a higher percentage of women infected with Treponema denticola. New views on the management of women with PCOS indicate the importance of considering microbiome changes and open up new therapeutic opportunities. Research in this area is still ongoing, and additional studies are needed to clarify the microbial composition in women with PCOS.

Keywords

• microbiome
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• vagina
• intestine