Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Conditions
Keywords
gut microbiome, vaginal microbiome, polycystic ovary syndrome
Brief summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects up to 10% of the reproductive-aged women worldwide. The etiology is still unknown and treatment therefore remains symptomatic. Studies indicate a possible role of the gut microbiome in the pathology of PCOS. PCOS women have a disturbed gut microbiome, with certain species associated with the PCOS characteristics:hyperandrogenism, ovarian dysfunction, obesity, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Although differences have been found in gut microbiome composition between PCOS and healthy women, the literature is inconclusive regarding the difference in gut microbiome biodiversity. Studies examining the vaginal microbiome in PCOS women show consistent results with specific species in the vaginal microbiome. However, there are only few studies on the vaginal microbiome in PCOS women and no studies have yet investigated the correlation between sex-specific hormones and PCOS characteristics. More research is needed to understand the function of the microbiome in the pathophysiology of PCOS, so that this can offer perspectives in future therapies.
Interventions
OTHERVenous blood sample, vaginal swab
Venous blood samples and vaginal swab will be obtained on the same day.
Sponsors
Erasmus Medical Center
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Caucasian * Willing to provide vaginal swab and stool sample * Willing to provide informed consent * Sufficient command of the Dutch language * Diagnosed with PCOS at Erasmus MC using the Rotterdam criteria by the presence of at least two of the following criteria * Clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism (modified Ferriman-Gallway score \>5; testosterone level \>2nmol/L, Free Androgen Index \> 2.9) * Oligomenorrorrhea or amenorrhea * Polycystic ovaries.
Exclusion criteria
* BMI \<18 * Smoking * Diabetes Mellitus or use of insulin sensitizer * Chronic and acute infection diseases * Endometriosis (American Fertility Score (AFS) III/IV) * Elevated prolactin levels, thyroid disease, Cushing disease or gastro-intestinal disease * The use of hormonal contraceptives, and other steroid hormones in the last 3 months * Use of antibiotics, probiotics or laxatives in the last 3 months
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial composition of the gut in women with PCOS and control group | 1 week | Bacterial composition in the gut is analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| To analyse potential metabolic profiles characterizing different phenotypes of PCOS | 1 week | Expression of metabolic indicators (metabolomics) |
| Difference in bacterial composition of the vagina and gut between overweight/obese and lean patients (with/without PCOS) | 1 week | Relative abundance of bacterial communities |
| Bacterial composition of the vagina in women with PCOS and control group | 1 week | Bacterial composition in the vagina is analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing |
| Difference in bacterial composition of the vagina and gut in women with PCOS | 1 week | Relative abundance of bacterial communities |
Countries
Netherlands
Contacts
Primary ContactXu Shan Gao, drs.
Backup ContactSam Schoenmakers, Dr. drs.
Outcome results
None listed