The impact of flaxseeds on gut microbiome may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
One dangerous kind of cancer is breast cancer. Scholars continue to investigate potential causes of breast cancer as well as strategies to reduce risk. The distinct relationship between the gut microbiome and mammary gland expression of microRNA was highlighted by data from a recent mouse study. Additionally, eating flaxseed may affect the relationship between mammary gland microRNA expression and the gut microbiota, which may help prevent breast cancer. Scholars are gaining increasing insight into the ways in which the microorganisms found in the human gut, known as the gut microbiome, impact various aspects of health. The goal of a recent study that was published in Microbiology Spectrum was to examine the connection between breast cancer risk and the gut microbiome. Researchers discovered a crucial relationship between the gut microbiome and gene expression in their study utilizing female mice. They also discovered that feeding mice flaxseed lowered their risk of developing breast cancer. Although further research is required, the findings may have practical applications in lowering the risk of breast cancer. The goal of this study’s research was to learn more about one particular strategy for modifying the risk of breast cancer. In this specific study, data from female mice were analyzed. It allowed researchers to examine gut microbiome components and their connection to breast cancer. The bacteria and other microorganisms that reside in the gut are referred to as the gut microbiome. They were able to as well.
Initially, they discovered a relationship between mammary gland microRNA and the microorganisms present in the mice’s guts. They also discovered that breast cancer development may be influenced by mammary gland microRNA. Author of the study Dr. Elena M. Comelli, Ph.D. D. , Associate Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, told MNT We discovered a correlation between the expression of microRNA in the mammary gland and the relative abundance of specific microbiota taxa (gut bacteria). MicroRNAs are tiny molecules that play a key role in controlling how genes are expressed. We discovered that a few of these microRNA are connected to pathways related to breast cancer. Next, the researchers looked at potential modifications to the connection between the gut microbiome and microRNA expression in the mammary gland. It was discovered that feeding mice flaxseed changed the way gut bacteria interacted with microRNA, which may have a protective effect against breast cancer. The theory that consuming flaxseed as a whole food may yield the greatest benefits was reinforced by additional analysis of the flaxseed’s constituent parts. It’s interesting that flaxseed was able to positively alter these associations, according to Dr. Comelli. Lignan, a substance found in flaxseed, must be broken down by the gut microbiota in order to produce metabolites that are subsequently taken up by the bloodstream. A diet intervention was found to be associated with the gut microbiota-mammary gland miRNA relationship.
The research showed the interconnectivity of the gastrointestinal microbial ecosystem relationship to the miRNA of the mammary glands. Dr. Theresa Hubka, an osteopathic physician specializing in OB/GYN and president-elect of the American Osteopathic Association, also shared her thoughts on the study with Medical News Today. They demonstrated how the digestive system interacts with other organs in relation to a particular disease state, such as breast cancer, and the preventive measures that can be taken in the form of dietary modifications. Gaining an understanding of these systems will enable additional research on the regulation of genes implicated in the processes of proliferation and migration in breast cancer. Therefore, certain disease states can be mitigated and one’s health and well-being can be improved through nutrition and dietary changes. One of the most common cancer types and a major cause of cancer-related mortality is breast cancer. 685,000 deaths globally in 2020 were related to breast cancer alone. To treat breast cancer, medical professionals and cancer specialists can work together to develop a combined treatment plan. Radiation therapy, medication, and surgery to remove the cancer are possible treatments. Board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist Dr. Wael Harb, of MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Centers in Orange County, California, and non-study author, provided MNT with the following explanation.
Breast cancer is still a major global health concern. According to the World Health Organization, it is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with over 2.3 million diagnoses and 685,000 deaths from it in 2020. The American Cancer Society projects that there will be 43,250 deaths and 287,850 new cases in the US in 2023. The incidence of breast cancer and its potential severity highlight the need for continued research and public health campaigns, even though improvements in treatment and early detection have increased survival rates. One of the most important aspects of supporting those with breast cancer is conducting research and creating potential treatments. Learning how people can lower their risk of developing breast cancer, however, is also essential. For example, people who regularly exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and drink less alcohol may be able to reduce their risk of breast cancer. This study suggests that the risk of breast cancer may be changed. But there are also significant limitations to the research. The study’s primary drawback is that only female mice were used, which limits the research’s applicability to human subjects. It suggests that further study in this field is necessary. Future research can also examine the special connection and implications between the components of flaxseed, the mammary gland microRNA, and the gut microbiome. Dr. Harb identified the following clinical implications of the data “If these findings are confirmed by additional research, especially with human subjects, it could have important clinical implications.”. It implies that dietary changes, like consuming flaxseed, may affect variables linked to the risk of breast cancer. Before such findings can be applied to clinical practice, however, a thorough investigation is required due to the intricacy of human biology and the impact of multiple factors such as genetics and environment. The study emphasizes the need for rigorous, extensive human trials to validate these preliminary findings while also pointing towards exciting possibilities in preventive strategies. Dr. Regarding upcoming MNTA research, Elena M. Comelli made the following observation “At the moment, we are studying flaxseed hull, which is enriched in lignans vs flaxseed.”. Flaxseed hull adds more lignans to the diet when consumed in the same amount. We’re curious to see if this leads to better responses. It will also be crucial to conduct an experimental investigation to confirm our in silico results. It will be crucial to investigate the potential regulatory role of microRNAs in the preventive effects of flaxseed in breast cancer models. The results will aid in formulating treatment plans. As research advances, it may lead to the creation of clinical guidelines that lower the risk of breast cancer or even the quantity of cases of the disease.
REFERENCES: