Gut microbiome in gastrointestinal cancer: a friend or foe?

Abstract

The impact of the gut microbiome on host health is becoming increasingly recognized. To date, there is growing evidence that the complex characteristics of the microbial community play key roles as potential biomarkers and predictors of responses in cancer therapy. Many studies have shown that altered commensal bacteria lead to cancer susceptibility and progression in diverse pathways. In this review, we critically assess the data for gut microbiota related to gastrointestinal cancer, including esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Importantly, the underlying mechanisms of gut microbiota involved in cancer occurrence, prevention and treatment are elucidated. The purpose of this review is to provide novel insights for applying this understanding to the development of new therapeutic strategies in gastrointestinal cancer by targeting the microbial community.

Cumulative exposure to impaired fasting glucose and gastrointestinal cancer risk: A nationwide cohort study

“…Previous studies proposed that patients with diabetes have proinflammatory changes in their bile acid and gut microbe profiles, and this shift leads to GI carcinogenesis along the gut-liver axis through oxidative damage of DNA, chronic inflammation, and increased cell proliferation. 32,33 Dysregulation of bile acid homeostasis toward a high concentration of hydrophobic secondary bile acids can exert a cytotoxic effect, leading to DNA damage and cell death. 33 Dysbiosis in GI mucous membranes activates inflammatory factors, such as nitric oxide, cyclo-oxygenase 2, and harmful microbial metabolites, resulting in aggravation of cancer development.…”

The Diversity of the Microbiome Impacts Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Development in Mice and Humans

“…A recent update of Hanahan's hallmarks of cancer has included the microbiota as an important player in carcinogenesis (37). This is based on results from several studies showing that the microbiome contributes to the development of several cancer entities, such as colorectal, gastric or biliary cancer, and studying the underlying mechanisms will help to develop novel therapies (38)(39)(40).…”

Flavonoids’ Dual Benefits in Gastrointestinal Cancer and Diabetes: A Potential Treatment on the Horizon?

“…On the other hand, gut microbial species such as Streptococcus bovis , Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Enterococcus faecalis mediate inflammatory response and tumor progression in colorectal cancer [ 114 , 115 ]. The data above show that flavonoids and their metabolites could reduce or restore the observed pathological effects in diabetes and GI cancers.…”