Polycystic ovary syndrome was associated with significantly elevated levels of several key fatty acids, including linoleic acid (SMD 0.542) and oleic acid (SMD 0.811), compared to non-PCOS controls.
Meta-Analysis (n=1,472)
Does polycystic ovary syndrome alter the fatty acid composition in blood and follicular fluid compared to non-PCOS controls?
Women with PCOS exhibit altered fatty acid profiles, characterized by elevated levels of key mono- and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in blood and follicular fluid, which may contribute to metabolic and reproductive disturbances.
Standardized Mean Difference: 0.542 (95% CI 0.349–0.736)
p-value: p=<0.001
A comprehensive assessment of fatty acids (FAs) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has yet to be carried out. The current study aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the FA composition of blood and follicular fluid (FF) in women with PCOS compared to non-PCOS controls. Four electronic databases were systematically searched until February 2025 using standard keywords. Risk of bias and evidence certainty were assessed using the ROBINS-I framework and the GRADE system, respectively. Random effects models were employed to calculate pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias was inspected using funnel plots, Begg’s test, and Egger’s test. Twelve studies qualified for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Overall effect sizes for several prominent FAs, including palmitoleic acid (SMD 95% CI = 0.389 0.121, 0.657, p = 0.004, I 2 = 25.2%), oleic acid (SMD 95% CI = 0.811 0.107, 1.515, p = 0.024, I 2 = 90.0%), linoleic acid (SMD 95% CI = 0.542 0.349, 0.736, p < 0.001, I 2 = 0%), and arachidonic acid (SMD 95% CI = 0.252 0.053, 0.451, p = 0.013, I 2 = 0%), indicated an increase in the PCOS group. The direction and significance of the results partly persisted following subgroup analyses based on sample type and lipid fraction, as well as sensitivity analyses. The findings of this study suggest that FA profile may be altered in women with PCOS, primarily characterized by potential elevations in levels of key mono- and n-6 polyunsaturated FAs.
Zarezadeh et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (n=1,472). Polycystic ovary syndrome vs. Non-PCOS controls was evaluated on Linoleic acid levels (SMD 0.542, 95% CI 0.349, 0.736, p=<0.001). Polycystic ovary syndrome was associated with significantly elevated levels of several key fatty acids, including linoleic acid (SMD 0.542) and oleic acid (SMD 0.811), compared to non-PCOS controls.