Breast cancer in postmenopausal women is associated with an altered gut metagenome Original paper
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Read MoreKaren 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.
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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.
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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.
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Karen Pendergrass
Read More
Researched by:
-
Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Read More
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 the differences in the composition and functional capacities of gut microbiota between postmenopausal breast cancer patients and postmenopausal healthy controls. The researchers conducted a comprehensive shotgun metagenomic analysis to assess microbial diversity, taxonomic abundance, functional gene profiles, and potential associations with clinical indices.
Who Was Studied?
The study involved 44 postmenopausal breast cancer patients and 46 postmenopausal healthy controls, as well as 18 premenopausal breast cancer patients and 25 premenopausal healthy controls. All participants were treatment-naive and free from other conditions such as diabetes or inflammatory bowel diseases, which could confound the microbiome analysis.
What Were the Most Important Findings?
The study found significant differences in gut microbial diversity and composition between postmenopausal breast cancer patients and healthy controls. Microbial diversity was higher in breast cancer patients. Forty-five microbial species exhibited significant differences in abundance; 38 species were enriched in breast cancer patients, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., and Prevotella amnii, while 7 species, such as Eubacterium eligens and Lactobacillus vaginalis, were depleted. Functionally, the gut metagenomes of patients were enriched in genes linked to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis, iron transport, and secretion systems, which may contribute to systemic inflammation and metabolic alterations. Importantly, butyrate-producing bacteria like Roseburia inulinivorans were reduced in patients, potentially affecting anti-inflammatory processes.
What Are the Greatest Implications of This Study?
This study highlights the potential role of gut microbiota in influencing systemic inflammation, estrogen metabolism, and immune regulation in postmenopausal breast cancer. The enrichment of LPS biosynthesis and iron transport genes points to mechanisms that may drive inflammation and tumorigenesis. The depletion of butyrate producers suggests a loss of anti-inflammatory microbiota functions, underscoring the gut microbiota’s importance in maintaining immune homeostasis. These findings suggest that gut microbiota could serve as biomarkers for breast cancer and potential therapeutic targets to mitigate disease progression.
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.