Alteration of Plasma Indoles in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age.
• Gut microbiota alterations are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to PCOS pathogenesis.
• Microbiota-derived indoles are implicated in metabolic regulation, particularly glycemic control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alterations in plasma indole levels in women with PCOS.
• To explore the correlation between plasma indole concentrations and glucose metabolism markers in PCOS.
• To assess the diagnostic potential of plasma indoles for PCOS.

Main Methods:

• Plasma concentrations of five indoles (indoxyl sulfate, indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-propionate, indole, 3-methylindole) were measured using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection.
• Sixty-five women with PCOS and twenty-eight age-matched controls were enrolled.
• Statistical analyses, including correlation and logistic regression, were performed.

Main Results:

• Plasma levels of indoxyl sulfate (IS), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and indole (IND) were significantly higher in PCOS patients compared to controls.
• Elevated IS, IAA, and IND levels positively correlated with fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR.
• IS and IND were identified as risk factors for PCOS, and the combined indole index showed good diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.867).

Conclusions:

• Plasma indole profiles are altered in women with PCOS.
• These indole alterations are closely associated with dysregulated glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in PCOS.
• Plasma indoles may serve as potential biomarkers for PCOS diagnosis and indicators of metabolic dysfunction.