Fig. 1
From: Gut–ovary axis and multiomic insights into PCOS in a DHEA-induced rat model
The schematic diagram showing the workflow of the current study. The flowchart depicts the five primary procedures of present study: which include model establishment, model validation, sample collection, microbial diversity, and multi-omics analysis, and result verification. In the model establishment phase, subcutaneous injections of DHEA-containing oil and an equal volume of pure sesame oil were administered to rats for consecutive weeks. The two groups were hence designated as PCOS group (n = 14) and Control group (n = 11), respectively. Then the stool, serum, cecum, and ovary were sampled. The ovary morphology, menstrual cycles, and the concentration of reproductive hormones in the serum of the rats from both groups were investigated to verify the establishment of PCOS model. Comprehensive analysis of metabolomes in stool, serum, cecum, and ovarian tissues, as well as the gut microbiota of both groups, were carried out. Finally, the expression of mRNAs and proteins involved in intestinal integrity and the ovarian steroid hormone metabolism were verified through real time PCR or WB.
