α-Linolenic Acid-Rich Flaxseed Oil Improves Polycystic Ovary Syndrome via Regulating Lipid Metabolism by GPR120-cAMP Pathway and Restoring Gut Microecology

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects metabolic and reproductive health in women. α-Linolenic acid (ALA)-rich flaxseed oil as a dietary food has been suggested to offer potential therapeutic benefits in managing metabolic disturbances associated with PCOS. This study investigates the effects of ALA-rich flaxseed oil on lipid metabolism and gut microecology in a PCOS rat model. The PCOS model was induced in rats using letrozole, and the animals were then administered ALA-rich flaxseed oil. Metabolomics, transcriptomics, 16S rRNA sequencing, hormonal levels, and markers of metabolic health were assessed. Results showed that ALA-rich flaxseed oil significantly improved lipid metabolism by reducing serum cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, we found that the improvement in lipid metabolism may be associated with the activation of the GPR120-cAMP pathway. Furthermore, gut microbiota analysis revealed a restoration of gut microbial ecology, with a shift toward a more balanced and healthy microbial composition. ALA-rich flaxseed oil shows promising potential as a dietary intervention for managing metabolic disturbances in PCOS. Its effects on lipid metabolism and gut microecology highlight its nutritional relevance, offering new insights into the dietary management of PCOS and its associated metabolic disorders.