Comprehensive profiles and diagnostic value of menopausal-specific gut microbiota in premenopausal breast cancer Original paper
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
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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.
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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
Researched by:
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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 the gut microbiota profiles, diagnostic value, and functional pathways specific to premenopausal breast cancer patients. It aimed to identify unique gut microbial markers distinguishing premenopausal breast cancer patients from postmenopausal patients and age-matched controls. The study also explored functional pathways of gut microbiota linked to breast cancer progression and diagnostic potential.
Who was studied?
The study analyzed 267 participants divided into four groups: premenopausal controls (Pre-C, n=50), premenopausal breast cancer patients (Pre-BC, n=100), postmenopausal controls (Post-C, n=17), and postmenopausal breast cancer patients (Post-BC, n=100). All breast cancer patients were newly diagnosed with stage I–II disease and excluded if they had received treatments or medications affecting gut microbiota before fecal sample collection.
What were the most important findings?
The study highlights significant differences in gut microbial diversity, composition, and functional pathways between premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer patients. Premenopausal breast cancer patients showed reduced α-diversity and distinct β-diversity compared to controls, with alterations in specific bacterial taxa linked to inflammation and cancer progression. In contrast, postmenopausal patients exhibited a different microbial profile, including an increase in pathogenic bacteria. Functional pathway analyses revealed steroid-related and oncogenic pathways in premenopausal patients, while postmenopausal patients were associated with chemical carcinogenesis and aldosterone-regulated pathways. The findings emphasize the diagnostic potential of gut microbiota in differentiating breast cancer subtypes and guiding prevention strategies.
| Aspect | Premenopausal Breast Cancer | Postmenopausal Breast Cancer | Universal Markers (Both Types) |
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| α-Diversity | Significantly reduced compared to controls | No reduction observed compared to postmenopausal controls | – |
| β-Diversity | Distinct from controls | Distinct from controls | – |
| Enriched Microbes | Bacteroides fragilis, Anaerostipes (linked to inflammation and progression) | Proteobacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae (pathogenic bacteria) | Haemophilus parainfluenzae (increased in both) |
| Reduced Microbes | Bifidobacterium spp. (tumor suppressor) | Akkermansia muciniphila (beneficial microbe) | Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (decreased in both) |
| Functional Pathways | Steroid-related pathways; Oncogenic pathways (e.g., Notch/Wnt signaling) | Chemical carcinogenesis; Aldosterone-regulated pathways | – |
| Diagnostic Potential | Strong microbial markers for distinguishing premenopausal breast cancer | Strong microbial markers for distinguishing postmenopausal breast cancer | – |
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The findings underscore the diagnostic potential of microbial markers for early, non-invasive breast cancer detection based on menopausal status. Identifying these microbial and functional pathways expands the understanding of breast cancer pathogenesis, especially in premenopausal women. Moreover, the study highlights the gut microbiota as a modifiable factor, suggesting potential interventions like probiotics or dietary changes to mitigate breast cancer risk.
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.