Green Tea Liquid Consumption Alters the Human Intestinal and Oral Microbiome

Abstract

ScopeGTPs (green tea polyphenols) exert anti‐CRC (colorectal cancer) activity. The intestinal microbiota and intestinal colonization by bacteria of oral origin has been implicated in colorectal carcinogenesis. GT modulates the composition of mouse gut microbiota harmonious with anticancer activity. Therefore, the effect of green tea liquid (GTL) consumption on the gut and oral microbiome is investigated in healthy volunteers (n = 12).Methods and results16S sequencing and phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) analysis of both fecal and saliva samples (collected before intervention, after 2 weeks of GTL (400 mL per day) and after a washout period of one week) in healthy volunteers show changes in microbial diversity and core microbiota and difference in clear classification (partial least squares‐discriminant analysis [PLS‐DA]). An irreversible, increased FIR:BAC (Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio), elevated SCFA producing genera, and reduction of bacterial LPS synthesis in feces are discovered in response to GTL. GTL alters the salivary microbiota and reduces the functional pathways abundance relevance to carcinogenesis. Similar bacterial networks in fecal and salivary microbiota datasets comprising putative oral bacteria are found and GTL reduces the fecal levels of Fusobacterium. Interestingly, both Lachnospiraceae and B/E (Bifidobacterium to Enterobacteriacea ratio—markers of colonization resistance [CR]) are negatively associated with the presence of oral‐like bacterial networks in the feces.ConclusionThese results suggest that GTL consumption causes both oral and gut microbiome alterations.

Subspecies Niche Specialization in the Oral Microbiome Is Associated with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Risk

“…As a result, we looked for factors which might affect the oral microbiome at a community level. Our primary confounders included oral hygiene and health, tobacco use, family history of NPC, and tea consumption ( 11 , 12 , 14 – 18 , 23 , 24 ). We also considered a history of oropharyngeal inflammation, the region where an individual lived, and alcohol use as covariates primarily expected to affect the microbiome, as well as salted fish consumption, which is primarily seen as a risk factor for NPC ( 13 , 25 , 26 ).…”

Association between dietary intake and the prevalence of tumourigenic bacteria in the gut microbiota of middle-aged Japanese adults

“…Although there are no studies describing the relationship between green tea consumption and the prevalence of pks + E. coli, one study has described the effects of green tea consumption on the gut microbiome. Yuan et al performed an intervention study in healthy Chinese adults and found a significant increase in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio isolated from faecal matter after 2 weeks of green tea consumption (400 mL/day) 36 . Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are two major bacterial phyla that dominate the human gut microbiota.…”

Gut/Oral Bacteria Variability May Explain the High Efficacy of Green Tea in Rodent Tumor Inhibition and Its Absence in Humans

“…Pioneering studies in mammals that focused on several oral bacteria at a time noted changes in oral microbiota with tea or tea extract consumption with consistent reductions in clostridium and increases in bifidobacterium and lactobacillus ( Table 3 ). Two recent human studies broadly examined oral microbiome at genus and species level, after GT or GT extract consumption [ 48 , 59 ]. The first study examined samples from two oral mucosal sites [ 59 , 60 ].…”

“…Two recent human studies broadly examined oral microbiome at genus and species level, after GT or GT extract consumption [ 48 , 59 ]. The first study examined samples from two oral mucosal sites [ 59 , 60 ]. The second examined saliva, a mixture of microbes shed from all mucosal and tooth surfaces [ 61 ].…”