Differences in Gut Microbiota Profiles and Microbiota Steroid Hormone Biosynthesis in Men with and Without Prostate...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Oncology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Prostate cancer (PCa) incidence varies geographically, potentially due to lifestyle and genetic factors.
• The role of gut microbiota in PCa development and progression remains largely unclear.
• Gut microbiota has been implicated in various cancers, but specific associations with PCa require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the gut microbiota composition and functional profiles in men with suspected prostate cancer.
• To identify specific microbial alterations associated with prostate cancer diagnosis.
• To explore potential mechanisms linking gut microbiota to PCa, including steroid hormone metabolism.

Main Methods:

• A prospective multicenter clinical trial (NCT02241122) involving 181 men with suspected PCa.
• 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze gut microbiota profiles.
• Differential abundance analysis, diversity metrics, and predictive functional analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• Microbiota composition and diversity were significantly different between PCa patients and benign individuals.
• The genus *Prevotella 9* was more abundant in PCa patients.
• Predictive functional analyses indicated increased 5-α-reductase activity, copper absorption, and retinol metabolism in the PCa-associated microbiome.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiota composition and function are significantly altered in prostate cancer.
• Microbial 5-α-reductase, copper absorption, and retinol metabolism represent potential mechanisms linking gut microbiota to PCa.
• These findings support the hypothesis that gut microbiota may mediate the influence of environmental factors on PCa incidence.