Zhidai Decoction Inhibits Cervical Cancer through Regulation of Vaginal Microbiota

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Oncology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women globally.
• Current treatments for cervical cancer have significant drawbacks, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
• Zhidai Decoction (ZDD), a traditional Chinese herbal formulation, is known for treating gynecological diseases, particularly abnormal leucorrhea, an early sign of cervical cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antitumor effect of Zhidai Decoction (ZDD) on cervical cancer.
• To investigate the regulatory impact of ZDD on the vaginal microbiota in a mouse model of cervical cancer.
• To explore the potential mechanisms underlying ZDD's efficacy in cervical cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of a mouse cervical cancer U14 cell subcutaneous transplantation tumor model.
• Early intervention with Zhidai Decoction (ZDD) in tumor-bearing mice.
• 16S rRNA sequencing analysis to assess changes in vaginal microbiota composition and structure.

Main Results:

• Zhidai Decoction (ZDD) significantly improved systemic symptoms and reduced vaginal secretions in tumor-bearing mice.
• ZDD treatment resulted in a 37.90% tumor inhibitory rate, increased daily food intake, and prolonged survival time to 21 days.
• Vaginal microbiota analysis revealed that ZDD increased the relative abundance of *Lactobacillus* and *Staphylococcus* while decreasing *Pasteurella* and *Helicobacter*.

Conclusions:

• Zhidai Decoction (ZDD) exhibits a direct inhibitory effect on cervical cancer growth in a mouse model.
• ZDD demonstrates the ability to regulate the vaginal microbiota, potentially by restoring microbial balance.
• These findings support the use of Zhidai Decoction (ZDD) as a potential early treatment for cervical cancer, possibly through its impact on the vaginal microbiome.