No abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease, affecting 8%–13% of the females of reproductive age, thereby compromising their fertility and long-term health. However, the pathogenesis of PCOS is still unclear. It is not only a reproductive endocrine disease, dominated by hyperandrogenemia, but also is accompanied by different degrees of metabolic abnormalities and insulin resistance. With a deeper understanding of its pathogenesis, more small metabolic molecules, such as bile acids, amino acids, and short-chain fatty acids, have been reported to be involved in the pathological process of PCOS. Recently, the critical role of gut microbiota in metabolism has been focused on. The gut microbiota-related metabolic pathways can significantly affect inflammation levels, insulin signaling, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and hormonal secretions. Although the abnormalities in gut microbiota and metabolites might not be the initial factors of PCOS, they may have a significant role in the pathological process of PCOS. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota and disturbance of gut metabolites can affect the progression of PCOS. Meanwhile, PCOS itself can adversely affect the function of gut, thereby contributing to the aggravation of the disease. Inhibiting this vicious cycle might alleviate the symptoms of PCOS. However, the role of gut microbiota in PCOS has not been fully explored yet. This review aims to summarize the potential effects and modulative mechanisms of the gut metabolites on PCOS and suggests its potential intervention targets, thus providing more possible treatment options for PCOS in the future.

BackgroundVasa (a DEAD-box helicase, also known as Ddx4) is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase highly conserved among all animals. Research on the presence and function of DDX4 in female mammals is limited. To gain greater insight into its distribution and role in female mice, we detected the expression of DDX4 protein in the ovaries and analyzed its expression pattern.Material/MethodsMVH was detected in the cytoplasm of oocytes in all non-apoptotic follicles.ResultsIn the present study, we found that higher expression levels of ~55–60 kDa MVH isoform in the ovaries were followed by the accumulations of preovulatory follicles.ConclusionsHigher levels of MVH protein in the ovaries might prepare oocytes for the competence to resume meiosis.