A COMBINED analysis of gut microbiota composition in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) identified distinct microbial patterns associated with PCOS subtypes, especially those differentiated by testosterone levels. This study, which examined data from various regions, also highlighted regional microbial differences, underscoring gut microbiota’s potential role in improving diagnosis and treatment for PCOS.
PCOS is a prevalent endocrine disorder linked to gut microbiota imbalances, but limited research has addressed the unique microbiota characteristics among PCOS patients from different regions and with varying testosterone levels. This study aimed to reanalyse gut microbiota in PCOS patients, focusing on these differences to explore the potential of gut microbiota as a biomarker for PCOS subtypes. Researchers performed a systematic literature review across four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov), including studies published from January 1 2010, to May 1 2024. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria, involving data from 513 PCOS patients and 435 healthy controls, providing an in-depth look at the microbial profiles of these individuals.
Findings from 948 participants showed no significant differences in alpha-diversity between PCOS and healthy control (HC) groups. However, the gut microbiota composition in PCOS patients was notably different from healthy individuals, with increased levels of Fusobacterium, Ruminococcus_gnavus_group, and Escherichia-Shigella, and reduced levels of Dysosmobacter, Schaedlerella, and Merdimonas. Regional analysis revealed that Alistipes was more common in European patients, while Blautia and Roseburia were enriched in Chinese patients. Among patients with higher testosterone (PCOS-HT), bacteria such as Prevotella and Blautia were enhanced, while Alistipes and Dysosmobacter were diminished compared to patients with lower testosterone (PCOS-LT). A subset of eight bacterial genera could differentiate PCOS-HT from PCOS-LT with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95.
The study suggests that gut microbiota composition in PCOS varies by region and testosterone level, suggesting that gut bacteria could aid in diagnosing PCOS subtypes. These findings may prompt new clinical approaches in diagnostics and personalised treatment for PCOS patients. Further research should examine how gut microbiota modulation can enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient outcomes, paving the way for tailored therapeutic strategies.
Reference
Yang Y et al. Gut microbiota in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an individual based analysis of publicly available data. EClinicalMedicine. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101279.
