Gut microbiota dysbiosis and short-chain fatty acid depletion in phlegm-dampness polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross-sectional 16S rRNA sequencing analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and reproductive dysfunction. Accumulating evidence indicates that gut microbiota and their metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), contribute to PCOS pathogenesis. However, subtype-specific alterations, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-defined phlegm-dampness PCOS, remain insufficiently explored.

Objective

This study aimed to comprehensively compare gut microbial composition, SCFA concentrations, and their associations with anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical indicators in women with phlegm-dampness PCOS, non-phlegm-dampness PCOS, and healthy controls.

Methods

In this cross-sectiona

SUBMITTER: Xia XY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12604384 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature