Objective This study aimed to systematically elucidate the role of gut microbial metabolites in the development and progression of ovarian cancer. Methods Public databases, including GutMgene, were used to screen and integrate gut microbial metabolite–target genes with ovarian cancer–related genes, ultimately identifying 59 key intersection genes. A gut microbiota–metabolite–gene regulatory network was constructed, and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses, protein–protein interaction network analysis, and evaluations of the drug-likeness and toxicity of key metabolites were performed. Results A total of 72 key genes associated with immune regulation were identified. Enrichment analyses demonstrated that these genes were significantly involved in immune-related processes, including T cell activation and the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Protein–protein interaction network analysis identified five core genes: STAT3 , IL6 , TNF , AKT1 , and TP53 . Drug-likeness analysis suggested that metabolites such as butyric acid and indole-3-propionic acid exhibit potential drug-like properties. Conclusion Gut microbiota–derived metabolites may influence ovarian cancer progression and the immune microenvironment by regulating core genes such as TP53 and AKT1 and pathways including Toll-like receptor signaling. These findings provide a potential basis for microbiota-targeted interventions in ovarian cancer.
Yinghong et al. (Sun,) studied this question.