Kefir, Gut Microbiota, and Metabolic Dysfunction in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: This dysbiotic state disrupts intestinal barrier integrity, leading to increased gut permeability “leaky gut”, which facilitates the translocation of microbial products such as lipopolysaccharides into the systemic circulation. Consequently, these microbial-derived molecules trigger immune activation and metabolic disturbances that contribute to the development and progression of PCOS .

Objective: Research has shown the existence of a close association between the gut microbiota of PCOS patients and the development of insulin resistance, which is a corresponding factor for PCOS, manifesting through short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides, sex hormones, and the brain–gut axis. Compared with healthy people, the diversity in the gut microbiota of PCOS patients shows a reduction with changes in composition, damaging the intestinal mucosal barrier .

Conclusion: Kefir has a wide spectrum of important health benefits, including physiological, prophylactic and therapeutic properties. These effects are a result of a wide variety of bioactive compounds produced during the fermentation process and the highly diverse microbiota, which act either independently or synergistically to influence these health benefits . Probiotics can improve intestinal barrier function leading to the reduction of intestinal permeability. The absorption of lower amounts of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may diminish the low-grade chronic inflammatory process characteristic of diabetes. Moreover, lower LPS may restore the function of insulin receptors leading to a better control of blood glucose, thus kefir might be used in the prevention of diabetes; however, more studies are needed to demonstrate such effects .