Characterization of fecal microbiota in cervical cancer patients associated with tumor stage and prognosis

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most frequent malignancy among women worldwide, and its prevention and treatment are evolving rapidly. The gut microbiota has been reported to play a crucial role both in the preservation of homeostasis and the development of cervical cancer. In this study, we collected fecal samples to investigate the microbial signatures in cervical cancer patients compared with healthy controls using 16S rRNA sequencing analysis and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) testing. Our findings demonstrated a substantial difference in the gut microbiota composition of cervical cancer patients and healthy controls. The disease and stage were most significantly negatively correlated with Ruminococcus 2, which might be considered a potential clinically relevant biomarker. Functions of differential microbiomes were also analyzed, indicating significant differences in metabolisms and biosynthesis between the two groups. These findings demonstrate that patients with cervical cancer have certain species of gut microbiota that are exclusive to them and particular species have the potential to be used in the prognosis of cervical cancer.

Microbiome and Abdominopelvic Radiotherapy Related Chronic Enteritis: A Microbiome-based Mechanistic Role of Probiotics and Antibiotics

“…24,25 In cervical cancer patients, Ruminococcus decreases with increasing stages of the disease. 26 Variations with Pelvic RT On the one hand, the pre-RT composition of intestinal bacteria determines the incidence of post-RT diarrhea. In contrast, the composition of intestinal bacteria changes significantly during and post-RT, which also correlates with the incidence of diarrhea.…”

“…Erysipelotrichaceae belonging to Firmicutes phylum is also increased in colorectal cancer 24,25 . In cervical cancer patients, Ruminococcus decreases with increasing stages of the disease 26 …”

Gut microbiota and female health

“…The patient group exhibited a higher abundance of Prevotella , Porphyromonas , and Dialister , while the control group showed a higher abundance of Bacteroides , Alistipes , and members of the Lachnospiracea family[ 43 ]. Additionally, Chang et al [ 44 ] conducted an enrichment analysis of gut microbiota from patients with cervical cancer patients and healthy controls and found that the functions of the differentially expressed genes in the two groups, primarily associated with REDOX reactions, biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites, and amino acid transport and metabolism.…”

Human Papillomavirus Infections and the Role Played by Cervical and Cervico-Vaginal Microbiota—Evidence from Next-Generation Sequencing Studies

“…The reduction in these bacteria may impact overall intestinal health, thereby influencing vaginal health. Chang et al identified Ruminococcus 2 as a gut flora family closely linked to CC, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for predicting cervical cancer development [61]. Firmicutes, particularly Ruminococcus, plays a crucial role in polysaccharide degradation and contributes to human metabolism by converting cellulose into host nutrients [62].…”