Gut and oral microbial compositional differences in women with breast cancer, women with ductal carcinoma in situ, and healthy women Original paper
Researched by:
-
Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
Fact-checked by:
-
Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
-
Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
-
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Traditionally linked to genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, emerging evidence highlights the microbiome as a critical and underappreciated factor influencing breast cancer progression, immune response, and treatment outcomes.
-
Karen Pendergrass
Researched by:
-
Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Fact-checked by:
-
Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Karen Pendergrass
What was studied?
This study investigated and compared the gut and oral microbiota in three distinct groups: women with breast cancer (BC), women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and healthy women. Fecal and oral samples were collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing to assess microbial diversity, composition, and predicted functional potential.
Who was studied?
The study analyzed samples from 154 women, comprising 73 with BC, 32 with DCIS, and 49 healthy controls. Samples were collected before any therapy to ensure no treatment effects influenced the microbiota.
What were the most important findings?
The study found significant differences in gut microbiota composition and diversity between groups, while the oral microbiota exhibited fewer variations. Women with BC had lower gut microbial alpha diversity compared to healthy women. Beta diversity analysis revealed distinct microbial profiles for the BC and DCIS groups compared to healthy controls. Taxonomic analysis identified several major microbial associations (MMAs) in the gut: the Bacteroides and Enterobacteriaceae guilds were enriched in BC patients, while the Clostridiales guild was more prevalent in healthy women. Functionally, the gut microbiota of BC patients showed increased pathways for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis, glycan metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism, which are linked to systemic inflammation and cancer progression. Conversely, the oral microbiota showed minimal variation across cohorts, with no significant differences in functional pathways or microbial guilds.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The findings highlight the role of gut microbiota in breast cancer development and progression. The identification of distinct microbial signatures and functional pathways provides a basis for developing microbiome-targeted interventions aimed at improving treatment outcomes and prognosis. Notably, the lack of significant findings in oral microbiota suggests that gut microbiota might have a more critical role in breast cancer etiology. These results pave the way for further research on microbiome-based diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
Breast Cancer
Traditionally linked to genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, emerging evidence highlights the microbiome as a critical and underappreciated factor influencing breast cancer progression, immune response, and treatment outcomes.
Major Microbial Associations (MMAs)
Major Microbial Associations (MMAs) are fundamental in understanding disease-microbiome interactions and play a crucial role in advancing microbiome-targeted interventions aimed at treating or preventing diseases through microbial modulation.