Gut–Ovary Axis and Multiomic Insights into PCOS in a DHEA-Induced Rat Model

December 2025 in “ Scientific Reports ”

Zhi Chen, Qiongqiong Lu, Aolei Lin, Meiao Tan, Wei Li, Sisi Tang, Jinhui Feng, Cong Hou, Yu Zhu, Mengxue Xu, Tianjiao Liu, Ming Xia

DHEA polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS gut-ovary axis 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone hormonal imbalances gut microbiota metabolomes steroid pathways lipid pathways amino acid pathways dehydroepiandrosterone gut microbiome hormone imbalances

TLDR Gut microbiota and metabolic pathways may play a key role in PCOS development.

This study investigated the gut-ovary axis in a DHEA-induced rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), revealing significant disruptions in gut microbiota and metabolomes, particularly in steroid, lipid, and amino acid pathways. The PCOS model was confirmed through hormonal imbalances and ovarian changes. PCOS rats showed increased gut microbiota diversity and distinct metabolic phenotypes compared to controls. Key metabolites like 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone were linked to PCOS-related hormones and altered microbiota, suggesting the gut-ovary axis's potential role in PCOS development. The study highlights the importance of gut microbiota and metabolic pathways in PCOS pathogenesis.

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