The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that the gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of microbes representing over 1,000 species of bacteria with over 3 million genes, significantly impacts intestinal health and disease. The gut microbiota not only is capable of promoting intestinal homeostasis and antitumor responses but can also contribute to chronic dysregulated inflammation as well as have genotoxic effects that lead to carcinogenesis. Whether the gut microbiota maintains health or promotes colon cancer may ultimately depend on the composition of the gut microbiome and the balance within the microbial community of protective and detrimental bacterial populations. Disturbances in the normal balanced state of a healthful microbiome, known as dysbiosis, have been observed in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC); however, whether these alterations precede and cause CRC remains to be determined. Nonetheless, studies in mice strongly suggest that the gut microbiota can modulate susceptibility to CRC, and therefore may serve as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Alterations in the Gut Microbiome and Suppression of Histone Deacetylases by Resveratrol Are Associated with Attenuation of Colonic Inflammation and Protection Against Colorectal Cancer

“…These findings are interesting because in addition to promoting the idea of Th17 as CRC-inducing in nature as discussed already, this report showed that microbiota plays an important role in CRC development and progression. Prior to and since this report, it has been well-established that the complex interaction between microbiota and the host immunity plays major roles in CRC pathogenicity [ 21 , 88 ]. For example, several bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori , Streptococcus bovis , Bacteroides fragilis , and Clostridium septicum have been known to be major contributors to CRC development [ 89 ].…”

“…In addition, in the AOM/DSS CRC model, we have shown that resveratrol downregulates inflammatory stress markers such as p53 to modulate the T cell response [20]. However, while the regulation of these host-derived cellular mechanisms plays an important role in resveratrol-mediated CRC treatment, recent research has shown the gut microbiome is also a key player in both CRC disease development and progression [21]. Thus, whether the ability of resveratrol to suppress CRC is related to its action on gut microbiota remains a possibility that needs to be explored.…”

Darmmikrobiom bei primären Hirntumoren

“…Schwerpunkt tersucht ist das kolorektale Karzinom (CRC) [15]. In mehreren Studien bei Patienten mit CRC konnte gehäuft Fusobacterium nucleatum im intestinalen Mikrobiom nachgewiesen werden [16,17].…”

Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise Training

“…Gut microbiota provides nutrients, regulates the intestinal mucosa/epithelial development, and affects the immune system and homeostasis, which is deserved as an endocrine organ [32]. Gut microbiota dysbiosis can result in several diseases, such as cancer [9], inflammatory disorders [15], metabolic diseases including obesity and diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases [40]. As the two important modifiable factors, diet and exercise significantly affect gut microbiota.…”