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Secondary bile acids (SBAs), which are metabolites produced by gut microbiota, have been implicated in both carcinogenic and anticancer processes. This review explores the dual role of SBAs, focusing on their molecular mechanisms and biological effects. The carcinogenic activities of SBAs include DNA damage, promotion of oxidative stress, and modulation of signaling pathways that drive tumorigenesis. Conversely, some SBAs exhibit anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, and modulating immune responses. The article also discusses the complex interplay between SBAs and the host's genetic and environmental factors, highlighting potential therapeutic implications and the need for targeted strategies to mitigate risks while harnessing beneficial effects. A comprehensive understanding of the delicate equilibrium between the deleterious and salutary impacts of SBAs has the potential to facilitate the development of innovative cancer prevention and treatment methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gardnerella is a key pathogen in bacterial vaginosis (BV), but the role of the different Gardnerella species remains unclear. We investigated the role of four Gardnerella species, as well as Fannyhessea vaginae , Lactobacillus crispatus and L. iners in BV. Methods: From 331 pregnant women from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, BV was diagnosed using Nugent scoring and a cervicovaginal lavage was used to quantify G. leopoldii , G. piotii , G. swidsinskii , G. vaginalis, F. vaginae, L. crispatus and L. iners by qPCR. Univariate associations between these species and clinical outcomes were assessed. A logistic regression model and ROC curves were calculated to determine the best diagnostic marker for BV. Results: Here, L. iners (75.8%) was the most prevalent species and G. vaginalis (36.0%) the most common Gardnerella species. All investigated Gardnerella spp. were prevalent (50.9-57.9%) in women with (asymptomatic) BV. Univariate analysis revealed no significant associations with clinical symptoms of BV, while F. vaginae (positive Whiff test, high pH), G. vaginalis (high pH) and L. crispatus (low pH) were associated with signs of BV. G. piotii was associated with markers of urinary tract infection. Women with L. iners had higher odds of delivering preterm. ROC analyses showed that F. vaginae was the best marker for BV (AUC 0.81), and the combined model further increased the diagnostic performance (AUC 0.90). Conclusion: All Gardnerella species were involved in BV, although none were associated with the most important clinical symptoms of BV and none emerged as a superior molecular marker for BV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]