Combination therapy of curcumin and fecal microbiota transplant: Potential treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome Original paper

What was studied?

This study proposed a combination therapy of curcumin and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a potential treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by symptoms like anovulation, hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, and infertility. The study explored the role of gut dysbiosis in the development and exacerbation of PCOS and hypothesized that combining FMT and curcumin could help restore gut eubiosis, thereby alleviating the symptoms of PCOS. FMT is considered a holistic therapeutic approach, as it targets not only the gut microbiota but also the virome, fungome, and other microbiota domains. Curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, was suggested to complement FMT by maintaining a healthy microbiome and reducing the chronic inflammation typical in PCOS.

Who was studied?

This was a review and hypothesis-driven study, not a clinical trial. The study reviewed preclinical data and existing literature on the role of FMT and curcumin in PCOS treatment. It focused on understanding the influence of gut dysbiosis on PCOS pathophysiology, and while no direct human participants were involved in this review, the authors proposed a combination therapy for future clinical trials. The target population discussed in the review is women diagnosed with PCOS, as well as those affected by the symptoms and metabolic abnormalities associated with the condition.

What were the most important findings?

The review highlighted significant evidence linking gut dysbiosis to PCOS, suggesting that alterations in the gut microbiota contribute to the development and progression of the syndrome. Studies indicated that FMT has been effective in addressing gut dysbiosis, leading to improved metabolic profiles and hormonal balance in PCOS patients. However, the need for repetitive FMT treatments and the associated challenges with its standardization and patient acceptance were noted as limitations. To overcome these issues, the combination of FMT with curcumin was proposed. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are well-documented, and it was shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve insulin resistance, key features of PCOS. The combination of these therapies is hypothesized to restore microbiome balance more sustainably, avoiding the need for repeated FMT sessions.

From a microbiome perspective, curcumin’s ability to modulate the gut microbiota is also relevant. It enhances microbial consumption of nutrients like sugars and polyphenols, which could have positive effects on gut health and potentially improve PCOS symptoms. The review suggests that curcumin can support the beneficial effects of FMT by preventing relapse of dysbiosis and enhancing long-term treatment outcomes.

What are the greatest implications of this study?

The greatest implication of this hypothesis is the potential for a novel, sustainable treatment for PCOS that combines the strengths of FMT and curcumin. Given the role of gut dysbiosis in PCOS pathophysiology, this combination therapy could offer a more holistic approach to treatment. It could not only help in managing the metabolic and endocrine features of PCOS but also reduce the risks associated with long-term pharmacological treatments. Additionally, this approach may help in restoring the gut microbiota, which is increasingly recognized as playing a significant role in the regulation of inflammation and insulin resistance. By leveraging both FMT and curcumin, clinicians might be able to offer a more effective, lower-risk alternative to conventional PCOS treatments that focus mainly on symptomatic relief.