Levels of Trace Elements in Erythrocytes as Endocrine Disruptors in Obese and Nonobese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Original paper
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
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.
-
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.
-
Divine Aleru
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
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?
This study examined how trace elements in erythrocytes function as endocrine disruptors in obese and nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Researchers focused on six trace elements, zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg), and their relationship with the hormonal profiles of PCOS patients. Given the limitations of serum testing, the study utilized erythrocyte samples to capture long-term mineral status, providing a more stable biomarker for trace element accumulation and hormonal interaction. The aim was to evaluate whether these trace elements correlate with reproductive hormone levels and contribute to PCOS pathogenesis based on obesity status.
Who was studied?
The study included 47 women with PCOS, divided into two subgroups based on body mass index (BMI): 24 obese women (BMI ≥ 30) and 23 nonobese women (BMI <30). A control group of 16 healthy women with no signs of PCOS and a BMI within the normal range (mean: 23.6) was also evaluated. All participants were of reproductive age and had not used supplements or experienced significant dietary changes before the study. Blood samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry to quantify trace element levels in red blood cells. Hormonal parameters, lipid profiles, and glucose-insulin homeostasis were also assessed through standard biochemical assays.
What were the most important findings?
The key finding was a significantly elevated level of nickel (Ni) in the erythrocytes of obese women with PCOS compared to both nonobese PCOS women and healthy controls. No significant differences were observed in the levels of other trace elements (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Mg) across the groups. However, several important correlations emerged within each PCOS subgroup. In nonobese women, zinc positively correlated with testosterone, while nickel correlated with estradiol and luteinizing hormone (LH). In obese women, zinc positively correlated with prolactin, magnesium with testosterone, and manganese negatively with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). These trace element–hormone interactions suggest a potential modulatory role of trace elements in ovarian function, particularly via endocrine pathways disrupted in PCOS.
From a microbiome lens, elevated nickel levels are known to disturb microbial homeostasis by promoting pro-inflammatory taxa like Proteobacteria and reducing SCFA-producing species like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. This dysbiosis contributes to chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalance, which are central to PCOS pathophysiology. Similarly, altered manganese and magnesium levels can disrupt antioxidant defenses, further affecting the gut barrier and endocrine signaling. The consistent zinc-prolactin and nickel-estradiol associations underscore trace elements as potential mediators of both hormonal dysregulation and microbiota shifts.
What are the implications of this study?
This study reveals that trace element imbalances may act as endocrine disruptors and contribute to the progression of PCOS. These mineral–hormone correlations offer a mechanistic explanation for how metabolic obesity intensifies reproductive dysfunction in PCOS through trace element–mediated oxidative stress and inflammation. The erythrocyte-based approach strengthens the clinical relevance, as it reflects chronic exposure rather than transient serum fluctuations. Clinically, monitoring erythrocyte nickel, zinc, magnesium, and manganese could help stratify PCOS patients based on metabolic risk and guide personalized nutritional or detoxification therapies. The implications for the microbiome are profound, suggesting that micronutrient-driven dysbiosis could be an underrecognized trigger of endocrine dysfunction in 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.