World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics
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2150-5349
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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
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Wang Z, Wang F. Microbiome-derived metabolites in cancer-associated anemia: An underexplored mechanistic link. World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther 2025; 16(3): 110305 [PMID: 40937287 DOI: 10.4292/wjgpt.v16.i3.110305]
World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. Sep 5, 2025; 16(3): 110305 Published online Sep 5, 2025. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v16.i3.110305
Microbiome-derived metabolites in cancer-associated anemia: An underexplored mechanistic link
Zhe Wang, Feng Wang
Zhe Wang, Feng Wang, Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
Author contributions: Wang Z drafted the original manuscript. Wang F conceived and supervised the study, and made critical revisions for important intellectual content. Both authors participated in manuscript preparation and approved the submitted version.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare no conflict of interests for this article.
Corresponding author: Feng Wang, MD, PhD, Professor, Senior Researcher, Senior Scientist, Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 50 Eastern Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China. zzuwangfeng@zzu.edu.cn
Received: June 4, 2025 Revised: June 9, 2025 Accepted: July 15, 2025 Published online: September 5, 2025 Processing time: 92 Days and 19.6 Hours
Abstract
The review by Bangolo et al highlights the role of the gut microbiome in cancer-associated anemia (CAA). However, the impact of microbiome-derived metabolites is underexplored. In this letter, we focus on short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan metabolites, and polyamines as key mediators linking dysbiosis to impaired erythropoiesis and iron homeostasis. We also propose a research framework that integrates multi-omics analysis and gnotobiotic models. Finally, we discuss the clinical potential of metabolite-based diagnostics and microbiome-targeted therapies in managing CAA.
Core Tip: Microbial metabolites—including short-chain fatty acids and tryptophan-derived ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor—modulate erythropoiesis and iron metabolism. This commentary underscores the need to integrate microbial metabolite biology into future research on cancer-associated anemia.
