Gut Microbiota and Estrogen Levels in Women Breast Cancer in Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that maintains a symbiotic relationship with its host, contributing to digestion, metabolism, and immunity. Studies suggest that the microbiota may play a role in several non-communicable diseases, including certain cancers. It may also influence circulating estrogen levels through enzymes like β-glucuronidase, which affects estrogen reabsorption and thus increases the risk of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. This study aimed to characterize the microbiota of breast cancer patients in Côte d'Ivoire to identify bacterial markers potentially associated with increased plasma estradiol concentrations. A case-control study was conducted at the Oncology Department of the CHU of Treichville, the National Blood Transfusion Center, and the Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire, recruiting 85 participants, including 39 patients and 46 controls, both premenopausal and postmenopausal. Characterization of the gut microbiota revealed a significant difference in microbiota diversity between breast cancer patients and controls. Quantification of plasma hormones and the use of the LEfSe algorithm identified eight bacterial genera potentially associated with increased plasma estradiol concentrations. These results open research avenues on the gut microbiota and estrogen levels, which could have significant implications for the prevention, diagnosis, and targeted treatment of breast cancer.