As part of a research team, scientists from Hebei University (China) found that the dandruff-causing yeast Malassezia globosa can accelerate the growth of breast cancer tumors in mice. Results It was published In the journal mBio.
Fungi of the genus Malassezia (Malassezia) are opportunistic inhabitants of the microflora of human and animal skin. In the event of a decrease in general immunity and a change in the physiological properties of the sebaceous glands, they can cause skin diseases such as dandruff.
To determine additional pathogenic properties of the Malassezia globosa fungus, the scientists introduced it into tumors of a group of mice with breast cancer. The results showed that fungal colonization increased the rate of tumor growth.
In some cases, these fungi can penetrate fat-rich breast tissue on their own and trigger cancer development, the researchers say. But the mechanisms underlying these harmful effects remain unclear. Scientists have suggested that Malassezia globosa’s activity produces harmful byproducts that damage cells or weaken the body’s defenses against cancer.
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