Comprehensive profiles and diagnostic value of menopausal-specific gut microbiota in premenopausal breast cancer

This study aimed to comprehensively explore the gut microbial profiles, diagnostic value, and functional pathways in premenopausal breast cancer patients. 267 breast cancer patients with different menopausal statuses and age-matched female controls were analyzed. Premenopausal breast cancer patients showed significantly reduced α-diversity and differing β-diversity compared to controls. 14 menopausal-specific microbial markers were identified, with *Bacteroides fragilis* found in young premenopausal women and *Klebsiella pneumoniae* in older postmenopausal women. These markers exhibited excellent discriminatory ability in distinguishing breast cancer patients from controls. Functional pathways also differed between groups. The study provides evidence that gut microbiota differs in premenopausal versus postmenopausal breast cancer, suggesting potential for non-invasive breast cancer detection.

Ming-Feng Hou, Fu Ou-Yang, Chung-Liang Li, Fang-Ming Chen, Chieh-Han Chuang, Jung-Yu Kan, Cheng-Che Wu, Shen-Liang Shih, Jun-Ping Shiau, Li-Chun Kao, Chieh-Ni Kao, Yi-Chen Lee, Sin-Hua Moi, Yao-Tsung Yeh, Chien-Ju Cheng, Chih-Po Chiang