Oral-Gut-Estrobolome Axis May Exert a Selective Impact on Oral Cancer

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Oncology
• Microbiome research

Background:

• The estrobolome comprises bacteria with enzymes (β-glucuronidase, β-galactosidase) metabolizing conjugated estrogens.
• Emerging evidence suggests a link between the gut microbiota, estrobolome, and pathologies like oral cancer.
• Crosstalk between oral and gut microbiota is increasingly recognized, with shared species influencing estrobolome activation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the concept of an oral-gut-estrobolome axis.
• To investigate the role of this axis in the pathogenesis of estrogen-related oral pathologies.
• To highlight the potential impact of microbial estrogen metabolism on oral cancer risk.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and hypothesis formulation.
• Speculation on the mechanisms of estrobolome activation by oral bacteria.
• Analysis of pathways involving bacterial enzymes like β-glucuronidase and aromatase.

Main Results:

• Oral bacteria can activate the estrobolome through enzymes like β-glucuronidase and aromatase.
• Increased estrogen availability in saliva may elevate oral cancer risk.
• Oral bacteria can metabolize estrogens into carcinogenic compounds and promote inflammation.

Conclusions:

• The proposed oral-gut-estrobolome axis offers a novel perspective on estrogen-related oral diseases.
• Further research is needed to validate the role of this axis in oral cancer pathogenesis.
• Understanding this axis could reveal new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for hormone-dependent oral cancers.