Alterations of bacteriome, mycobiome and metabolome characteristics in PCOS patients with normal/overweight individuals Original paper

What was studied?

The study investigated the alterations in the bacteriome, mycobiome, and metabolome of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to healthy individuals, specifically focusing on normal and overweight participants. The aim was to evaluate the potential for developing microbiota-related diagnostic markers for PCOS through integrated multi-omics approaches.

Who was studied?

The study involved 88 fecal samples from PCOS patients and healthy controls, including both normal-weight and overweight individuals. Additionally, 87 serum samples were analyzed to investigate the metabolic profiles of these groups.

What were the most important findings?

The study found significant differences in the gut microbiota, mycobiome, and serum metabolome between PCOS patients and healthy controls. Several bacterial genera, such as Ruminococcus torques, Escherichia/Shigella, and Lactobacillus, were identified as distinctive for PCOS patients, with notable differences between normal and overweight participants. PCOS patients exhibited a distinct fungal profile, with an overrepresentation of genera like Candida, Malassezia, and Kazachstania. Fungal diversity was lower in PCOS patients compared to healthy individuals, particularly in those with obesity.

Serum metabolite analysis revealed significant differences between PCOS and healthy groups, particularly in metabolites linked to androgen levels, insulin resistance, and lipids. These metabolites showed strong associations with the clinical markers of PCOS, such as the free androgen index (FAI) and other hormonal and metabolic parameters. The study developed diagnostic models based on serum metabolites, fungal taxa, and bacterial taxa. The metabolite-based model was found to be more accurate than the microbiota-based model in distinguishing between PCOS and healthy controls, especially for patients with normal BMI.

What are the implications of this study?

The study highlights the critical role of hyperandrogenemia in driving gut microbial dysbiosis and metabolic alterations in PCOS patients. This finding suggests that dysbiosis in both the gut bacteriome and mycobiome could be a significant factor in the pathophysiology of PCOS, independent of BMI. The identification of specific microbial signatures and serum metabolites offers a promising avenue for developing more accurate diagnostic methods for PCOS, potentially aiding in earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches. Additionally, the findings may prompt further research into how gut fungi, particularly Candida, contribute to the disease, given their interaction with metabolic and hormonal pathways.