The Gut Microbiome in Aging and Ovarian Cancer Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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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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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal cancers affecting women worldwide. Known for its "silent" progression, this disease often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages, making early diagnosis crucial for improving survival outcomes. With a variety of subtypes, ovarian cancer presents unique challenges in both treatment and prevention. Recent advancements in research are shining a light on the importance of the microbiome, particularly how microbial imbalances in the gut and vaginal microbiota can influence cancer progression. Repurposed drugs such as metformin and innovative interventions like probiotics, microbiota transplantation, and intratumoral microbiota therapies offer promising new avenues for improving ovarian cancer treatment.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
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.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This review explores the relationship between the gut microbiome, aging, and ovarian cancer. It highlights the impact of aging on the gut microbiota and its potential role in the progression of ovarian cancer. The review examines how microbial dysbiosis, particularly in phyla such as Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria, is associated with both aging and ovarian cancer. It also delves into the interplay between the gut microbiome and ovarian cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, and their effects on treatment outcomes.
Who was studied?
The review includes data from studies involving ovarian cancer patients, both in pre- and post-treatment stages, as well as healthy control subjects. Additionally, it references animal models, specifically mice, to understand the mechanistic relationship between the gut microbiome and ovarian cancer progression. It also explores the influence of aging by comparing microbial data from individuals across various age groups, highlighting the changes in the gut microbiome that accompany aging and how these changes might influence cancer risk and prognosis.
Most important findings
Key findings from the review indicate that both aging and ovarian cancer lead to shifts in the gut microbiome, particularly in the levels of certain microbial taxa. As individuals age, the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, tends to decrease, while proinflammatory bacteria from the Proteobacteria phylum, like Escherichia species, increase. These same microbial shifts are observed in ovarian cancer patients, suggesting a link between gut dysbiosis and cancer progression. Additionally, Ruminococcaceae, a family of bacteria important for short-chain fatty acid production, tends to decrease in both aging and ovarian cancer, which may contribute to chronic inflammation and cancer development. Interestingly, the review notes that aging and ovarian cancer share common microbial alterations, but the effects of age on the microbiome appear to have a more significant impact on ovarian cancer outcomes, especially regarding immune modulation and inflammation.
Key implications
The review suggests that understanding the relationship between the gut microbiome, aging, and ovarian cancer could lead to novel therapeutic approaches. Modulating the gut microbiome through interventions such as probiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could potentially improve cancer treatment outcomes, particularly in elderly ovarian cancer patients. Moreover, early identification of microbiome signatures in aging populations may help in predicting ovarian cancer risk and tailoring personalized therapies. However, the review also highlights the need for further research to establish causal links between microbial dysbiosis and cancer progression and to refine therapeutic strategies based on microbiome modulation.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal cancers affecting women worldwide. Known for its "silent" progression, this disease often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages, making early diagnosis crucial for improving survival outcomes. With a variety of subtypes, ovarian cancer presents unique challenges in both treatment and prevention. Recent advancements in research are shining a light on the importance of the microbiome, particularly how microbial imbalances in the gut and vaginal microbiota can influence cancer progression. Repurposed drugs such as metformin and innovative interventions like probiotics, microbiota transplantation, and intratumoral microbiota therapies offer promising new avenues for improving ovarian cancer treatment.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) involves transferring fecal bacteria from a healthy donor to a patient to restore microbiome balance.