If I’ve learned one thing this year, it’s that bacteria matter. As much as I would sometimes like to pretend that that human body is a self contained, fully autonomous unit, the truth of the matter is that humanity cannot exist if not in harmony with millions of other organisms. Even a slight shift in the microbiome can throw the entire body system off balance, as is seen in cases like UTIs, where the normally beneficial Staphylococcus aureus ends up in the wrong part of the body and presents as an opportunistic infection. The upshot to the fragile state of the human body’s relationships with microorganisms is that sometimes, small changes can cause a significant improvement in health status.
This very truth was recently examined by the UC San Diego School of Medicine in a research study focused on treating and preventing skin cancer. The findings, which were published in Scientific Advances on February 28th of this year, indicate that Staphylococcus epidermidis, a bacteria common to the skin microbiome, can protect against skin cancer. To reach this conclusion, Dr. Richard Gallo and his team utilized mouse models, exposing groups of mice with and without a special strain of S. epidermidis on their skin to ultraviolet radiation. The bacterial strain in question produces a compound known as 6-N-hydroxyaminopurine (6-HAP), which works to selectively inhibit DNA synthesis. The study found that the control group of mice without S. epidermidis developed tumors after radiation exposure, while the test group with the bacteria were predominantly cancer-free. Taking the findings one step further, another group of mice was injected with 6-HAP every 48 hours over a two week span and then injected with melanoma. The therapy showed no toxic side effects and the tumor mass was reduced by upwards of 50%.
While the findings are still in an early stage and no human trials have been conducted, this marks an exciting moment for cancer research. With over 1 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the United States alone each year, our own microbiome may have presented a significant solution to a widespread issue. In light of this, perhaps it’s time researchers dug deeper into our microbiome and gave our symbiotic friends a chance to take center stage in the world of disease prevention and treatment.
Citations
Researchers report potential new role for skin bacteria in protecting against cancer. (2018, March 01). Retrieved March 05, 2018, from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20180301/Researchers-report-potential-new-role-for-skin-bacteria-in-protecting-against-cancer.aspx
Sandoiu, A. (2018, March 01). Common skin bacteria may prevent skin cancer. Retrieved March 05, 2018, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321085.php
In the medical world, we are so often afraid of infection and so eager to prevent against it (especially staph infections!!). How cool is it that these seemingly frightening "bugs" might actually be giving us a huge advantage like preventing against cancer?! Bacteria do matter and, for the most part, we can't classify them as just "good" or "bad." Wow, microbiology is so interesting. Good work!!
ReplyDeleteThere are limitations with In vivo experimentations. Mice have fundamental biological differences with humans. But I am really excited to see how these researches will turn out. Good work!!
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting. I like the idea that a potential cure to cancer lives right on our own skin. It makes you appreciate the wonders of biology and they way we evolved with our environment. The microbiome could very well be a source of cures for multiple types of cancer.
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