Polycystic ovary syndrome: Pathways and mechanisms for possible increased susceptibility to COVID-19

Figure 2 Polycystic ovary syndrome may increase susceptibility to coronavirus disease 2019 via its associated comorbidities (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance and alterations in the gut microbiome); the gut-lung axis is apparently implicated. SARS-CoV-2: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; IL-22: Interleukin 22, IL-6: Interleukin 6; PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome; NAFLD: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; COVID-19: Coronavirus disease 2019; MetSy: Metabolic syndrome.