Gut microbiota variation in admixed Hispanic populations with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), referred to clinically as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a common endocrine disorder associated with reproductive dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, obesity, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Although gut microbiome alterations have been implicated in PMOS pathophysiology, data from Hispanic populations remain limited.

This cross-sectional study evaluated fecal samples from 51 reproductive-age, non-menopausal women living in Puerto Rico, including 41 with PMOS, diagnosed following the Rotterdam criteria, and 10 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was obtained from fecal samples and subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing for bacterial identification. Microbial assessment included associations with metabolic, androgenic, and reproductive variables.

After adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), and recent antibiotic use, PMOS status was not significantly associated with alpha nor beta diversity (p>0.05). However, host factors such as BMI and age explained more variation in microbial communities than PMOS status. Indicator species analysis identified several taxa preferentially associated with controls, including Phocaeicola_A dorei, Alitiscatomonas aceti, Brotaphodocola, and Schaedlerella. Specifically, Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans was significantly reduced in the PMOS group. Metabolic markers, androgen levels, and reproductive features were not significantly associated with global microbiome diversity or composition; however, irregular menses was associated with greater microbiome dispersion.

These findings suggest that PMOS is not characterized by major gut microbiome shifts but may involve subtle depletion of health-associated commensals and increased microbial heterogeneity.