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- Kalinen, Sofia, et al.
(author)
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Differences in Gut Microbiota Profiles and Microbiota Steroid Hormone Biosynthesis in Men with and Without Prostate Cancer.
- 2024
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In: European urology open science. - 2666-1683. ; 62, s. 140-150
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 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.Characterization of the gut microbiota and its functions associated with PCa.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.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.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.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.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.
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| 2. |
- Luoma, Katariina, et al.
(author)
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Low back pain in relation to lumbar disc degeneration
- 2000
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In: Spine. - 0362-2436 .- 1528-1159. ; 25:4, s. 487-92
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. OBJECTIVES: To study the relation of low back pain (LBP) to disc degeneration in the lumbar spine. BACKGROUND DATA: Controversy still prevails about the relationship between disc degeneration and LBP. Classification of disc degeneration and symptoms varies, hampering comparison of study results. METHODS: Subjects comprised 164 men aged 40-45 years-53 machine drivers, 51 construction carpenters, and 60 office workers. The data of different types of LBP, individual characteristics, and lifestyle factors were obtained from a questionnaire and a structured interview. Degeneration of discs L2/L3-L5/S1 (dark nucleus pulposus and posterior and anterior bulge) was assessed with MRI. RESULTS: An increased risk of LBP (including all types) was found in relation to all signs of disc degeneration. An increased risk of sciatic pain was found in relation to posterior bulges, but local LBP was not related to disc degeneration. The risks of LBP and sciatic pain were strongly affected by occupation. CONCLUSIONS: Low back pain is associated with signs of disc degeneration and sciatic pain with posterior disc bulges. Low back pain is strongly associated with occupation.
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