Effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on insulin resistance (IR), lipid profiles, anthropometric indices, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We searched 8 databases from their inception until 1st October, 2020. The effect sizes were expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Subgroup analyses were undertaken for further identification of effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, based on the following aspects: (1) type of intervention (probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics); (2) study duration (≥ 12 weeks or < 12 weeks); (3) number of probiotic strains (multi strains or single strain); (4) probiotic dose (≥ 2 × 108 colony-forming units [CFU] or < 2 × 108 CFU). A total of 17 eligible RCTs with 1049 participants were included. Results showed that probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic intake decreased fasting plasma glucose (SMD, -1.35; 95% CI, -2.22 to -0.49; p = 0.002), fasting insulin (SMD, -0.68; 95% CI, -1.08 to -0.27; p = 0.001), homeostatic model of assessment for IR (SMD, -0.73; 95% CI, -1.15 to -0.31; p = 0.001), triglycerides (SMD, -0.85; 95% CI, -1.59 to -0.11; p = 0.024), total cholesterol (SMD, -1.09; 95% CI, -1.98 to -0.21; p = 0.015), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD, -0.84; 95% CI, -1.64 to -0.03; p = 0.041), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD, -0.44; 95% CI, -0.70 to -0.18; p = 0.001), and increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (SMD, 2.00; 95% CI, - 0.79 to 3.22; p = 0.001). However, probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplements did not affect anthropometric indices, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and CRP levels. Subgroup analysis showed that probiotic or prebiotic might be the optimal choice for ameliorating IR or lipid profiles, respectively. Additionally, the effect was positively related to courses and therapeutical dose. Overall, the meta-analysis demonstrates that probiotic, prebiotic, or synbiotic administration is an effective and safe intervention for modifying IR and lipid profiles.

Expression profile of circular RNAs in continuous light-induced ovarian dysfunction.

PURPOSE: This study aims to elucidate the underlying relationship between the expression profiles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and the ovarian dysfunction induced by continuous light. METHODS: High-throughput sequencing was used to profile the transcriptome of differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) in rat ovary under continuous light exposure (12 h:12 h light/light cycle, L/L group) and a control cycle (12 h:12 h light/dark cycle, L/D group). Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and circRNAs-microRNAs-messenger RNAs networks were performed to predict the role of DEcircRNAs in biological processes and pathways. A quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was conducted to verify the high-throughput sequencing results and the expression level of circadian rhythm genes. RESULTS: In total, 305 circRNAs were differentially expressed between the L/L and L/D groups. Among these, 211 circRNAs were up regulated, while 94 were down regulated. Eight candidate circRNAs from 305 DEcircRNAs were verified by qRT-PCR. Further bioinformatics analysis revealed that interactions between DEcircRNAs and a set of microRNAs involved in ovarian dysfunction-related pathways, such as regulation of androgen receptors, gonadotrophin releasing hormone signaling pathway, endocrine resistance, etc. Subsequently, we identified rno_circ:chr2:86868285-86964272 and rno_circ:chr1:62330221-62360073 may participate in the pathophysiology of ovarian dysfunction by constructing circRNAs-microRNAs-messenger RNAs networks. Meanwhile, constant light reduced the expression of circadian rhythm genes CLOCK, BAML1, PER1, and PER2 compared with that of controls. Caspase3 and Bax were up regulated in the L/L group compared with the L/D group, while Bcl-2 was down regulated. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the results reveal that the expression profiles and potential functions of DEcircRNAs in rat ovaries may play important roles in continuous light-induced ovarian dysfunction. These findings provide novel clues and molecular targets for studying the mechanisms and clinical therapy of ovarian dysfunction.

Acupoint stimulation and Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acupoint stimulation and Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) are widely used in the treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), but the efficacy and safety remain controversial. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupoint stimulation and CHM for POI. METHODS: Seven databases were searched and collected studies comparing acupoint stimulation and CHM with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) from inception to July 31, 2019. The methodological quality of the included trials was assessed in line with the criteria of the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. RESULTS: Meta-analysis was performed in 14 trials, which contained a total of 1030 women with POI. The acupoint stimulation and CHM presented advantages in normalizing of menstrual cycle (RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.61, P < 0.00001) and improving perimenopausal symptoms (RR 2.00, 95% CI 1.56 to 2.56, P < 0.00001) when compared with HRT. After treatment, compared with HRT, acupoint stimulation and CHM effectively decreased the level of follicle stimulating hormone (MD -2.88, 95% CI -5.00 to -0.76, P = 0.008) and increased the level of estradiol (SMD 0.88, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.71, P = 0.04). By contrast, there were no significant between-group differences in the level of luteinizing hormone (MD -3.24, 95% CI -6.77 to 0.29, P = 0.07) and adverse effects (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.04 to 2.54, P = 0.28). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggested that acupoint stimulation and CHM can serve as complementary therapies to alleviate menstrual disorders, perimenopausal symptoms, and serum sex hormone levels in POI females.