New research from Peking University! Intestinal fungi are the "trigger" of polycystic ovary syndrome

In the field of women's health, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has always been a topic of great concern. As the most common endocrine disorder among women of childbearing age, PCOS not only affects the quality of life of patients, but is also associated with a variety of health problems. Although the medical community has been conducting in-depth research on PCOS, its exact pathogenesis remains an unsolved mystery.

Recently, a study published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe by experts including Pang Yanli and Qiao Jie from Peking University Third Hospital provided a new perspective to solve this mystery. The study aims to explore the role of intestinal fungi in the pathogenesis of PCOS, in order to find new therapeutic targets and provide scientific basis for improving women's health.

Research Methods and Process

The research team first recruited 67 PCOS patients who met the Rotterdam criteria (international diagnostic criteria for PCOS) and 63 healthy women of childbearing age as a control group from the Reproductive Medicine Center of Peking University Third Hospital. Using high-throughput sequencing technology, they conducted an in-depth analysis of the composition and abundance of intestinal fungi in the two groups. In order to verify the universality of the research results, the team further included two independent cohorts in Southwest and Northeast China, with participants from the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, respectively. **The results of the sample analysis showed that the enrichment of Aspergillus tubingensis in the intestines of PCOS patients was significantly higher than that of the healthy control group, whether in Beijing or other regions. **This finding shows that the association between Aspergillus tubingensis and PCOS is universal and not restricted by region.

After confirming the enrichment of Aspergillus tubingensis, the research team conducted a genomic analysis of the fungus and verified it in in vitro experiments and mouse models. They found that there were evolutionary differences between the Aspergillus tubingensis in the intestine and the strains in the environment, showing excellent adaptability to the human intestinal environment. By gavaging mice with Aspergillus tubingensis strains, the researchers observed that the mice developed PCOS-like phenotypes, including abnormal hormone levels, ovarian dysfunction, and insulin resistance. This series of experimental results suggests that Aspergillus tubingensis may promote the occurrence of PCOS through some mechanism .

To reveal this mechanism, the research team further explored the role of AT-C1, a secondary metabolite of Aspergillus tubingensis. The study found that AT-C1 is an endogenous antagonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). AT-C1 can inhibit the AhR-IL-22 signaling pathway, thereby affecting immune regulation and ovarian function. Through molecular biology techniques, the researchers confirmed that the level of AT-C1 in PCOS patients was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group, and was positively correlated with the biochemical indicators of PCOS.

Research findings and results

The results of the study showed that the significant enrichment of Aspergillus tubingensis in the intestines of PCOS patients was a key finding. This fungus is not only common in PCOS patients in different regions, but its enrichment is also closely related to the severity of PCOS symptoms. Through in vitro experiments and mouse models, the research team further confirmed that Aspergillus tubingensis can induce a PCOS-like phenotype, which provides direct evidence for the role of fungi in the pathogenesis of PCOS.

In terms of mechanism exploration, the research team revealed that AT-C1, a secondary metabolite of Aspergillus tubingensis, inhibits the AhR-IL-22 signaling pathway, leading to impaired ovarian function. In addition, analysis of clinical samples showed that the level of AT-C1 in the feces of PCOS patients was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group, while the level of IL-22 in plasma was correspondingly reduced. These data support the important role of AT-C1 in the pathogenesis of PCOS and provide potential targets for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies in the future.

How should we prevent polycystic ovary syndrome?

1. Develop good living habits: maintain a balanced diet, reduce the intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods, increase the intake of dietary fiber, and maintain the balance of intestinal microorganisms; regularly perform moderate exercise to help improve insulin resistance and reduce the risk of PCOS; maintain good work and rest habits and avoid staying up late to regulate the endocrine system.

2. Reduce stress: Learn to reduce stress reasonably and avoid being in a state of tension and anxiety for a long time.

3. Regular check-ups: Women of childbearing age should undergo regular gynecological examinations to detect and treat related diseases in a timely manner.

4. Intestinal health: Pay attention to intestinal health, conduct intestinal microbial testing when necessary, and use probiotics to regulate intestinal flora.

5. Avoid abuse of antibiotics: The use of antibiotics will affect the balance of intestinal microorganisms. Follow the doctor's advice and avoid abuse.

This article reveals the potential role of intestinal fungus Aspergillus tubingensis in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), opening up a new perspective for the treatment of PCOS. However, the current research is still in its preliminary stage, and its specific mechanism needs to be further explored in the future, and more precise intervention strategies need to be formulated. At the same time, as health guardians, we should also enhance our understanding of PCOS, actively adopt a healthy lifestyle to intervene, and jointly prevent the occurrence of related diseases.

Note: This article is based on the latest research progress and is intended to popularize health knowledge. It is not intended as medical advice. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.

References: Wu J, WangK, Qi