Imbalance of Vaginal Microbiota and Immunity: Two Main Accomplices of Cervical Cancer in Chinese Women

This study published in Dove Press by Li, Wu J, Wu Y, Duan, Luo, Li L, Li S, and Jia Y investigates the correlation between female vaginal microbiota, immune factors, and cervical cancer. Using microbial 16S rDNA sequencing and protein chip analysis, researchers compared the vaginal microbiota of women in four groups: cervical cancer, HPV-positive CIN, HPV-positive non-CIN, and HPV-negative. Results revealed increased diversity in vaginal microbiota as cervical cancer developed. Specific bacteria, like Prevotella, Ralstonia, Gardnerella, and Sneathia, were enriched in cervical cancer and HPV-positive CIN groups. Conversely, Lactobacillus and Atopobium dominated the HPV-negative group. Inflammatory immune factors IP-10 and VEGF-A were elevated in cervical cancer. The study suggests that changes in vaginal microbiota diversity and elevated inflammatory immune factors could serve as potential indicators for predicting cervical cancer, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiota and normal immune function in prevention and treatment. Read more here.