Role of bile acids in the pathogenesis and metabolic abnormalities of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Bile acid, an important molecule regulating the endocrine system and metabolism, affects glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis in the body and has emerged as a therapeutic target for diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive endocrine-metabolic disorder that is accompanied by not only obesity and insulin resistance but also bile acid metabolism disorders. In this review, we summarize the role of bile acid metabolism in three typical phenotypes of PCOS, including abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism, abnormal follicular development, and hyperandrogenism, and explore the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The findings provide a novel perspective for further research on PCOS and potential targets for its diagnosis and treatment.