Evaluation of the relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and intestinal inflammation as measured by fecal calprotectin levels Original paper
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
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Karen Pendergrass
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance. It is often associated with metabolic dysfunctions and inflammation, leading to fertility issues and increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
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Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The authors investigated whether intestinal inflammation plays a role in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by analyzing fecal calprotectin levels, a noninvasive biomarker that reflects neutrophil-driven gut inflammation. Given the increasing evidence that inflammation and gut dysbiosis contribute to PCOS, the researchers aimed to determine if elevated calprotectin could serve as an additional indicator of disease presence or severity.
Who was studied?
The study included 54 adult women: 27 with PCOS and 27 healthy controls. All participants were of reproductive age and had a body mass index within the normal range. The authors excluded individuals with gastrointestinal disorders, systemic illness, or recent antibiotic use to isolate the relationship between PCOS and gut inflammation.
What were the most important findings?
Women with PCOS had significantly higher fecal calprotectin levels compared to healthy controls, suggesting greater intestinal inflammation. Interestingly, systemic inflammation, measured by standard markers like hs-CRP, was similar across groups, indicating that the inflammation in PCOS may be localized to the gut. Although calprotectin wasn’t an independent predictor of PCOS in statistical models, it showed excellent specificity. This means it could help differentiate between PCOS and non-PCOS individuals in clinical settings. The findings support that microbial shifts and increased intestinal permeability—hallmarks of gut dysbiosis—may underlie some aspects of PCOS. Elevated calprotectin levels point toward neutrophil activity in the intestinal lining, often triggered by changes in gut microbiota.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The study underscores the potential role of intestinal inflammation in PCOS and highlights fecal calprotectin as a promising, low-cost marker that could aid diagnosis or monitoring. These findings open the door to new interventions, such as microbiome-targeted therapies, to manage PCOS symptoms. If confirmed in future studies, strategies that reduce gut inflammation might improve hormonal balance and fertility outcomes in PCOS patients. It also reinforces the value of including microbiome-related biomarkers in gynecological evaluations.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance. It is often associated with metabolic dysfunctions and inflammation, leading to fertility issues and increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Microbiome-Targeted Interventions (MBTIs)
Microbiome Targeted Interventions (MBTIs) are cutting-edge treatments that utilize information from Microbiome Signatures to modulate the microbiome, revolutionizing medicine with unparalleled precision and impact.