Perspectives of PCOS Pathophysiology: Exploring the Interplay between PCOS and the Gut Microbiota

Abstract

PCOS is a gynecological and metabolic concern for numerous women of reproductive age. Its pathophysiology broadly entails hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and neuroendocrine dysfunction, and is heavily influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors. However, its precise aetiology remains unclear. The gut microbiome is a major endocrine organ and plays a key role in host metabolism through its metabolites which regulate diverse host physiology like metabolism, immunity, etc. Numerous studies have described associations of altered microbiota in the progress and development of major human diseases. The studies conducted on animals and humans have suggested that the gut microbiota and its metabolites are involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS and its associated attributes such as insulin resistance, obesity and inflammation. Moreover, supplementation of probiotics/prebiotics has been reported to relieve the adverse metabolic and hormonal parameters effectively. Knowledge of this link between gut dysbiosis and PCOS has also spurred research interest in exploring novel management of PCOS. In this review, we have discussed the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis and its metabolite in the progression and treatment of PCOS.