Unraveling the mechanisms of PCOS: the interplay between gut microbiota and the immune system.

Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS), a reproductive endocrine disorder that affects fertility in women of reproductive age, is characterized by high prevalence, diverse clinical manifestations, and unclear mechanisms. Elucidating its pathogenesis is of great significance for the treatment and prevention of PCOS. The gut microbiota, as a key modulator of human metabolism, plays a crucial role in PCOS through its interactions with the immune system. Gut microbiota and its metabolites not only serve as essential components of human metabolism but also act as critical regulators of the immune system. Therefore, this review focuses on the role of gut microbiota and the immune system in the pathogenesis of PCOS. It highlights the interactions between gut microbiota and its metabolites (such as lipopolysaccharides, branched-chain amino acids, and short-chain fatty acids) with the immune system, and their effects on key symptoms of PCOS, including inflammation, ovarian dysfunction, and insulin resistance. Furthermore, potential therapeutic strategies for alleviating PCOS are discussed, aiming to provide guidance for the treatment and prevention of PCOS.