Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria; Microbiology Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria; Ehigie's Biochemistry and Biocomputational Laboratory, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Microb Pathog. 2024 Sep;194:106831. doi: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106831. Epub 2024 Jul 30.
Staphylococcus aureus, a common human pathogen, has long been the focus of scientific investigation due to its association with various infections. However, recent research has unveiled a tantalizing enigma surrounding this bacterium and its potential involvement in carcinogenesis. Chronic S. aureus infections have been linked to an elevated risk of certain cancers, including skin cancer and oral cancer. This review explores the current state of knowledge regarding this connection, examining epidemiological evidence, pathogenic mechanisms, and biological interactions that suggest a correlation. Although initial studies point to a possible link, the precise mechanisms through which S. aureus may contribute to cancer development remain elusive. Emerging evidence suggests that the chronic inflammation induced by persistent S. aureus infections may create a tumor-promoting environment. This inflammation can lead to DNA damage, disrupt cellular signaling pathways, and generate an immunosuppressive microenvironment conducive to cancer progression. Additionally, S. aureus produces a variety of toxins and metabolites that can directly interact with host cells, potentially inducing oncogenic transformations. Despite these insights, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the exact biological processes involved. This review emphasizes the urgent need for more comprehensive research to clarify these microbiological mysteries. Understanding the role of S. aureus in cancer development could lead to novel strategies for cancer prevention and treatment, potentially transforming therapeutic approaches.
金黄色葡萄球菌是一种常见的人类病原体，由于其与各种感染的关联，长期以来一直是科学研究的焦点。然而，最近的研究揭示了一个关于这种细菌及其在致癌作用中潜在参与的诱人谜团。慢性金黄色葡萄球菌感染与某些癌症（包括皮肤癌和口腔癌）的风险升高有关。本综述探讨了关于这种联系的现有知识状况，检查了表明相关性的流行病学证据、发病机制和生物相互作用。尽管初步研究表明存在可能的联系，但金黄色葡萄球菌可能促进癌症发展的确切机制仍难以捉摸。新出现的证据表明，持续的金黄色葡萄球菌感染引起的慢性炎症可能会产生促进肿瘤的环境。这种炎症可导致 DNA 损伤、破坏细胞信号通路，并产生有利于癌症进展的免疫抑制微环境。此外，金黄色葡萄球菌产生多种毒素和代谢物，可直接与宿主细胞相互作用，可能诱导致癌转化。尽管有这些见解，但我们对涉及的具体生物学过程的理解仍存在重大差距。本综述强调了迫切需要进行更全面的研究来阐明这些微生物学谜团。了解金黄色葡萄球菌在癌症发展中的作用可能会为癌症预防和治疗提供新的策略，从而有可能改变治疗方法。
