Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Although prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men in Western countries, there is significant variability in geographical incidence. This might result from genetic factors, discrepancies in screening policies, or differences in lifestyle. Gut microbiota has recently been associated with cancer progression, but its role in PCa is unclear.Objective
Characterization of the gut microbiota and its functions associated with PCa.Design setting and participants
In a prospective multicenter clinical trial (NCT02241122), the gut microbiota profiles of 181 men with a clinical suspicion of PCa were assessed utilizing 16S rRNA sequencing.Outcome measurements and statistical analysis
Sequences were assigned to operational taxonomic units, differential abundance analysis, and α- and β-diversities, and predictive functional analyses were performed. Plasma steroid hormone levels corresponding to the predicted microbiota steroid hormone biosynthesis profiles were investigated.Results and limitations
Of 364 patients, 181 were analyzed, 60% of whom were diagnosed with PCa. Microbiota composition and diversity were significantly different in PCa, partially affected by Prevotella 9, the most abundant genus of the cohort, and significantly higher in PCa patients. Predictive functional analyses revealed higher 5-α-reductase, copper absorption, and retinol metabolism in the PCa-associated microbiome. Plasma testosterone was associated negatively with the predicted microbial 5-α-reductase level.Conclusions
Gut microbiota of the PCa patients differed significantly compared with benign individuals. Microbial 5-α-reductase, copper absorption, and retinol metabolism are potential mechanisms of action. These findings support the observed association of lifestyle, geography, and PCa incidence.Patient summary
In this report, we found that several microbes and potential functions of the gut microbiota are altered in prostate cancer compared with benign cases. These findings suggest that gut microbiota could be the link between environmental factors and prostate cancer.
SUBMITTER: Kalinen S
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10946286 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Kalinen Sofia S Kallonen Teemu T Gunell Marianne M Ettala Otto O Jambor Ivan I Knaapila Juha J Syvänen Kari T KT Taimen Pekka P Poutanen Matti M Aronen Hannu J HJ Ollila Helena H Pietilä Sami S Elo Laura L LL Lamminen Tarja T Hakanen Antti J AJ Munukka Eveliina E Boström Peter J PJ
European urology open science 20240313
<h4>Background</h4>Although prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men in Western countries, there is significant variability in geographical incidence. This might result from genetic factors, discrepancies in screening policies, or differences in lifestyle. Gut microbiota has recently been associated with cancer progression, but its role in PCa is unclear.<h4>Objective</h4>Characterization of the gut microbiota and its functions associated with PCa.<h4>Design setting and participant ...[more]