Fig. 5

Gut microbiota mediates part of the beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFAs on the ovaries. Mice were randomly divided into four groups. PCOS mice were orally administered corn oil (PCOS) or omega-3 PUFAs (2 g/kg every 2 days). Horizontal fecal transfer from saline–treated PCOS mice is referred to as PCOS receivers (PCOS→PCOS). Horizontal fecal transfer from omega-3 PUFA-treated mice is referred to as omega-3 receivers (omega-3→PCOS). A Study design of the fecal transplantation experiment. B Body weight of the above four groups of mice. C Fasting blood glucose (n = 6). D-H Serum FSH, LH, LH/FSH ratio, E2 and T levels (n = 5). I Ovarian index (n = 4). J, K Representative estrous cycles. Error bars are expressed as the means ± SEMs. Statistical significance was determined by P values determined by two-tailed paired-samples t test (*P < 0.05). P, proestrus stage; E, estrus stage; M, metestrus stage; D, diestrus stage; FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone; LH, luteinizing hormone; E2, estradiol 2; T, testosterone