Insights on the Association between Thyroid Diseases and Colorectal Cancer

Prevalence and implications of pKs-positive Escherichia coli in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health concern, necessitating continuous investigation into its etiology and potential risk factors. Recent research has shed light on the potential role of pKs-positive Escherichia coli (pKs + E. coli) and colibactin in the development and progression of CRC. Therefore, this review aimed to provide an updated analysis of the prevalence and implications of pKs + E. coli in colorectal cancer. We conducted a literature review search in major scientific databases to identify relevant studies exploring the association between pKs + E. coli and CRC. The search strategy included studies published up to the present date, and articles were carefully selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. Thus, the present study encompasses scientific evidence from clinical and epidemiological studies supporting the presence of pKs + E. coli in CRC patients, demonstrating a consistent and significant association in multiple studies. Furthermore, we highlighted the potential mechanisms by which colibactin may promote tumorigenesis and cancer progression within the colorectal mucosa, including the production of genotoxic virulence factors. Additionally, we explored current diagnostic methods for detecting pKs + E. coli in clinical settings, emphasizing the importance of accurate identification. Moreover, we discussed future strategies that could utilize the presence of this strain as a biomarker for CRC diagnosis and treatment. In conclusion, this review consolidated existing evidence on the prevalence and implications of pKs + E. coli in colorectal cancer. The findings underscore the importance of further research to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking this strain to CRC pathogenesis and to explore its potential as a therapeutic target or diagnostic marker. Ultimately, a better understanding of the role of pKs + E. coli in CRC may pave the way for innovative strategies in CRC management and patient care.

The Role of Blood Microbiome in the Development of Thyroid Cancer in Breast Cancer Survivors

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer are likely to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer as a second primary cancer. Similarly, patients with thyroid cancer are likely to develop breast cancer. In this study, we found an association between these two types of cancers in the microbiomes of patients with breast cancer. Blood samples were collected from 96 patients with breast cancer, their bacterial extracellular vesicles were isolated, and their microbiomes were analyzed. After microbiome analysis, researchers performed thyroid function tests, estrogen levels, and thyroid ultrasound results of these patients, and the relationships among these parameters were analyzed. Based on the thyroid ultrasonography results, differences in the microbiome were confirmed in the normal, cyst, nodule, and thyroid lobectomy groups. We investigated the microbiome differences between normal thyroid and thyroid cancer. In particular, the abundance of the genus Bacillus is related to estrogen levels, which could affect thyroid abnormalities and increase thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. This study explains the causes of thyroid cancer in patients with breast cancer using microbiomes and serological tests for thyroid hormones and estrogen. These can be used as basic data for preventing thyroid cancer in patients with breast cancer.