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Bidirectional Communication between Gut Microbiome and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Implications on Associated Metabolic Comorbidities
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Objective: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a neuroendocrine and metabolic disorder with multifaceted etiology, prevailing in women who are of reproductive age, rendering dwindling conception rates and escalating infertility rates worldwide. The etiology of PCOS is unresolved, potentially caused due to a mixture of genetic and environmental factors supported by components of diet and lifestyle manifested in women as an endocrine and metabolic disorder. Recent advancements have however thrown light on the influence of the gut-brain axis and the Gut Micro-Biome (GMB) on various body functions. Endocrine, immune and metabolic dysfunctions, portrayed by abnormal steroidogenesis and gut-induced inflammation, influenced by dysbiosis of the gut, provides a plausible role to the gut microbiome in the pathophysiology of PCOS. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) mimic endogenous hormones and interfere with homeostasis. EDCs can have a significant impact on the health of women, in particular with PCOS, owing to its increasing link with estrogen, testosterone, and weight gain and glucose metabolism. Methods: A thorough search was conducted onelectronic databases. Relevant literature, obtained through the search, were studied and summarized to address the effects of EDCs on the gutmicrobiome and PCOS and the associated metabolic comorbidities. Conclusion: GMB is associated with various metabolic disorders inching towards comprehensive development of metabolic syndromes, thereby increasing risks of developing chronic obesity, infertility, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, and gynaecological cancers. Influence of EDCs on the gut-brain axis and there by the pathophysiology of PCOS, and the bifacial alliance between GMB and PCOS involving endocrine, immune and metabolic mechanisms open up a novel avenue in managing the effect of EDCs in PCOS women worldwide.
Keywords
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, Gut Microbiome, Metabolic Comorbidities, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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