Gut microbiota alterations are distinct for primary colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the second and third most common causes of death by cancer, respectively. The etiologies of the two cancers are either infectious insult or due to chronic use of alcohol, smoking, diet, obesity and diabetes. Pathological changes in the composition of the gut microbiota that lead to intestinal inflammation are a common factor for both HCC and CRC. However, the gut microbiota of the cancer patient evolves with disease pathogenesis in unique ways that are affected by etiologies and environmental factors. In this review, we examine the changes that occur in the composition of the gut microbiota across the stages of the HCC and CRC. Based on the idea that the gut microbiota are an additional "lifeline" and contribute to the tumor microenvironment, we can observe from previously published literature how the microbiota can cause a shift in the balance from normal → inflammation → diminished inflammation from early to later disease stages. This pattern leads to the hypothesis that tumor survival depends on a less proinflammatory tumor microenvironment. The differences observed in the gut microbiota composition between different disease etiologies as well as between HCC and CRC suggest that the tumor microenvironment is unique for each case.

Comparison of the Human Gut Microbiota between Normal Control Subjects and Patients with Colonic Polyps and Colorectal Cancer

“…Japanese research reported that L. pacaense was at high levels in healthy centenarians compared with IBD patients [39]. Another previous study indicated the genus Roseburia was found in higher abundance in healthy controls compared with CRC and hepatocellular carcinoma patients [40]. R. inulinivorans acts as a probiotic associated with mucus production and is signi cantly more abundant in healthy controls than in rectal cancer patients [41].…”

A prognostic fibroblast-related risk signature in colorectal cancer

“…The CRC is one of the most commonly diagnosed and fatal cancers worldwide [ 1 ]. Changes in diet habits and aging may lead to an increase in the incidence of CRC [ 21 ].…”

Synergistic Sorafenib with Jianpi Huayu Decoction Resulted in Tumor Regression and Prevented Adverse Events in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Remodeling the Gut Microbiota

“…3.6. JHD decreased the in ltration of in ammatory cells and inhibited the IL-6/STAT3 pathway in tumors following the modulation of GM Pathological changes in the composition of the GM that lead to intestinal in ammation are a common factor for HCC [19]. The GM can gain access to the liver as a result of a chronic in ammation disease associated to dysfunction of the intestinal barrier.…”