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The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio as a Risk Factor of Breast Cancer
Jeongshin An1,2, Hyungju Kwon2, Young Ju Kim3
1Institute of Convergence Medicine Research, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 1071 Anyangcheon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul 07985, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|March 29, 2023
Summary
The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio in the gut microbiome is significantly lower in breast cancer patients. This microbial imbalance may serve as a novel risk factor and offer insights into breast cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Oncology
- Human health
Background:
- The gut microbiome composition, particularly the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, is linked to obesity and cancer risk.
- Breast cancer development may be influenced by gut microbial dysbiosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio in breast cancer patients.
- To explore the correlation between the F/B ratio and breast cancer risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial extracellular vesicles were isolated from serum of breast cancer patients and healthy controls.
- Microbiome sequencing was employed to analyze the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes.
- Statistical analysis correlated the F/B ratio with prognostic factors and serological markers.
Main Results:
- The F/B ratio was found to be three times lower in breast cancer patients compared to healthy individuals.
- A significant association was observed between the F/B ratio and breast cancer risk factors, including fasting serum glucose levels.
Conclusions:
- The F/B ratio is a potential biomarker for breast cancer risk.
- Alterations in the gut microbiome, specifically the F/B ratio, may play a role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.
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