AUTHOR=Liu Jifang , Ye Zhang , Zhang Yi , Su Wan , Liu Jie , Chen Tianqi , Shi Yanan , Liu Lulu , Lu Jiao , Cai Zian , Zhong Qing , Wang Pei , Pu Jun , Liu Jinghua , Wei Yuchen , Pan Hui , Zhu Huijuan , Deng Kan , Wang Renzhi , Lu Lin , Hu Xiaomin , Yao Yong 

TITLE=Exploring the gut microbiome and serum metabolome interplay in non-functioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumors

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1541683

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2025.1541683

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=The gut microbiome has emerged as a potential factor in cancer pathogenesis, but its role in non-functioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PitNETs) remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate gut microbiome and metabolomic alterations in NF-PitNETs by comparing microbial diversity, pathogenic bacteria, and serum metabolomic profiles between NF-PitNET patients and healthy controls. The gut microbiome was assessed through 16S rRNA sequencing, while serum metabolomics was analyzed using mass spectrometry. Correlation analyses identified potential links between microbial characteristics and metabolic markers. The results revealed that specific pathogenic bacteria, such as Bacteroides, were significantly enriched in NF-PitNET patients. Multi-omics correlations suggested that altered microbiota might contribute to NF-PitNET pathogenesis by modulating host metabolic pathways. These findings highlight the potential role of gut microbiome dysbiosis and its metabolic effects in NF-PitNET development, offering insights into possible therapeutic and diagnostic targets.