Purpose: To determine whether long-term administration of synbiotics affects clinical, endocrine and metabolic aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in overweight and obese subjects undergoing intensive lifestyle modifications.
Methods: During six-month trial, all subjects underwent intensive lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise). The subjects were randomized (1:1) to receive synbiotic supplementation (Synbiotic Group) or placebo (Placebo Group).
Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy affecting women of reproductive age.
Objective: This study was designed to evaluate effects of lifestyle modifications and synbiotic supplementation on PCOS.
Design: A randomized (1:1) double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Study Question: Is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) associated with an elevation of markers of endotoxemia?
Summary Answer: In women with PCOS serum levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), the LPS to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio and LPS-binding protein (LBP) are significantly greater than those of normal control subjects.
What Is Known Already: Mononuclear cells from women with PCOS respond excessively to LPS by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. In rat ovarian theca-interstitial cell cultures LPS stimulates androgen production.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at increased risk of psychological distress including anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, less is known about sexual satisfaction and self-esteem as well as the relationship of these aspects of psychological function with clinical and hormonal profiles associated with PCOS. This cross-sectional study compared women with PCOS (N = 96) and healthy controls (N = 47).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFContext: A majority of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have metabolic abnormalities that result in an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Correlative studies have shown an association between changes in the gut microbiome and metabolic disorders. Two recent studies reported a decrease in α diversity of the gut microbiome in women with PCOS compared with healthy women.
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