The ovarian cancer-associated microbiome contributes to the tumor’s inflammatory microenvironment Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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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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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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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 examines the ovarian cancer-associated microbiome and its contribution to the tumor’s inflammatory microenvironment. It focuses on how microbial alterations in the reproductive and gastrointestinal tracts may play a pivotal role in ovarian cancer development, progression, and therapeutic resistance. The review explores the presence of specific bacterial populations, such as Propionibacterium acnes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, in ovarian cancer patients and their influence on tumor growth and immune responses. The paper also highlights the relationship between microbiome-derived metabolites and inflammation, and how this could lead to chronic inflammation within the tumor microenvironment, thus facilitating cancer progression.
Who was studied?
The review draws from various studies that involve ovarian cancer patients and healthy controls. Research from animal models, particularly mice, is also referenced to examine how specific bacteria interact with ovarian cancer cells. The study analyzes microbiome compositions in different tumor stages and the corresponding immune responses in patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Additionally, studies exploring how treatments like chemotherapy and antibiotics affect the microbiome and alter treatment outcomes are discussed.
Most important findings
A key finding from the review is the significant role of the microbiome in fostering an inflammatory tumor microenvironment. Certain bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes are enriched in ovarian cancer tissues and contribute to inflammation by activating inflammatory pathways such as the NF-kB signaling pathway, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β. The review also emphasizes the role of microbial metabolites, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), in promoting tumor progression by enhancing immune suppression and facilitating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Dysbiosis in the gut and vaginal microbiomes has been linked to ovarian cancer, with specific microbial signatures influencing chemotherapy resistance. For example, microbial shifts during chemotherapy can disrupt the gut microbiota, leading to changes in tumor-associated immune cells like macrophages, further impeding the efficacy of treatment.
Key implications
The findings suggest that understanding the microbiome’s role in ovarian cancer could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies, including microbiome modulation to improve treatment responses. By targeting microbial communities in the tumor microenvironment, such as using probiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation, it may be possible to reduce inflammation and enhance the body’s immune response against tumors. Additionally, the microbiome could serve as a potential biomarker for early detection, prognosis, and even treatment response monitoring in ovarian cancer. However, more studies are needed to identify specific microbial species that can be used for clinical interventions and to clarify the mechanisms through which the microbiome influences cancer progression.
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.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a potent endotoxin present in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria that causes chronic immune responses associated with inflammation.
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.