INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF
CancerGenetics
The Interplay Between Gut Microbiome Modulation, Probiotics, and Cancer
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Javad Allahverdy,1,* Niloufar Rashidi,2
2. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Introduction: The human gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, has emerged as a pivotal player in various physiological processes, including immune function and cancer development. Dysregulation of the gut microbiome, often characterized by an imbalance in microbial composition (dysbiosis), has been implicated in a variety of cancers. Probiotics, live microorganisms administered to confer health benefits, have garnered significant attention as potential modulators of the gut microbiome and immune system. This review explores the intricate relationship between gut microbiome modulation, probiotics, and cancer, highlighting the mechanisms through which probiotics may exert their anticancer effects.
- Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2024. Keywords such as "gut microbiome," "probiotics," "cancer," "immune modulation," and "mechanisms" were employed to refine the search. The selected studies were critically evaluated for their methodological rigor, sample size, and relevance to the research question.
- Results: The findings from the reviewed studies collectively suggest a strong association between gut microbiome dysbiosis and cancer development. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this relationship, including altered immune responses, increased inflammation, and the production of carcinogenic metabolites by dysbiotic microbiota. Probiotics have shown promising potential in modulating the gut microbiome and mitigating these adverse effects. By restoring microbial balance and enhancing immune function, probiotics may exert anticancer effects through various mechanisms. These include: Immune system modulation: Probiotics can stimulate the production of beneficial immune cells, such as natural killer cells and T cells, which play a crucial role in tumor surveillance and elimination. Inflammation reduction: Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for cancer development. Probiotics have been shown to reduce inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting anti-inflammatory responses. Modulation of signaling pathways: Probiotics can influence signaling pathways involved in cancer cell proliferation, survival, and invasion, such as the Wnt, Notch, and NF-κB pathways. Production of bioactive compounds: Some probiotics produce bioactive compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids, which have been linked to anticancer effects.
- Conclusion: The growing body of evidence supports the notion that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in cancer development and progression. Probiotics offer a promising approach to modulate the gut microbiome and potentially reduce cancer risk. However, further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of probiotics and to identify the optimal probiotic strains and dosages for different cancer types. References: Arumugam, M., et al. (2011). Enterotypes of the human gut microbiome. Nature, 473(7347), 174-180. Zackular, J. P., et al. (2016). Dietary and microbial interactions in colorectal cancer. Cell Host & Microbe, 19(6), 714-724. Schwabe, C. F., & Brenner, D. A. (2013). Mechanisms of gut microbiota-induced inflammation and colorectal cancer. Cancer Journal, 19(1), 7-13. Chen, W., et al. (2016). Probiotics for cancer treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 50(1), 43-51.
- Keywords: Cancer, Probiotics, Gut Microbiota, Cancer Prevention
