Gut Bacteria Encode Reductases that Biotransform Steroid Hormones.

The metabolism of steroids by the gut microbiome affects hormone homeostasis, impacting host development, mental health, and reproductive functions. In this study, we identify the Δ -3-ketosteroid 5β-reductase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ isomerase, and Δ -3-ketosteroid reductase enzyme families encoded by common human gut bacteria. Through phylogenetic reconstruction and mutagenesis, We show that 5β-reductase and Δ -3-ketosteroid reductase have evolved to specialize in converting diverse 3-keto steroid hormones into their 5β- and Δ -reduced derivatives.

Informing etiological heterogeneity of mild cognitive impairment and risk for progression to dementia with plasma p-tau217.

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a clinical diagnosis representing early symptom changes with preserved functional independence. There are multiple potential etiologies of MCI. While often presumed to be related to Alzheimer's disease (AD), other neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative causes are common.

Differential Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Cancer Risk in Obesity: A Nationwide Analysis of 1.1 Million Patients.

: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have demonstrated significant efficacy in obesity treatment beyond their original development for type-2 diabetes management. This comprehensive study investigated the relationship between GLP-1RA use and cancer incidence in individuals with obesity across a 5-year follow-up period. : We conducted a large-scale cohort study using the TriNetX US Collaborative Network database (2013-2023) examining adult patients with obesity.