Potential Role of Host Microbiome in Areca Nut-Associated Carcinogenesis and Addiction

Abstract

Areca nut (AN) is widely consumed all over the world, bringing great harm to human health and economy. Individuals with AN chewing are at high risk of cardiovascular disease and impaired immune system and metabolic system. Despite a growing number of studies having reported on the adverse effects brought by AN chewing, the exact mechanism of it is limited and the need for additional exploration remains. In recent years, the interaction between microorganisms, especially intestinal microorganism and host, has been extensively studied. AN chewing might disrupt the oral and intestinal microbiota communities through direct connect with the microbes it contains, altering PH, oxygen of oral and intestinal microenvironment, and disturbing the immune homeostasis. These mechanisms provide insights into the interplay between areca nut and host microbiota. Emerging studies have proposed that bidirectional interaction between polyphenols and intestinal microbes might play a potential role in the divergence of polyphenol, extracted from AN, among individuals with or without AN-induced cancer development and progression. Although some AN chewers have been aware of the harmful effects brought by AN, they cannot abolish this habit because of the addiction of AN. Increasing studies have tried to revealed that gut microbiota might influence the onset/development of addictive behaviors. Altogether, this review summarizes the possible reasons for the disturbance of host microbiota caused by areca nut chewing and clarifies the complex interaction between human microbiome and major constituents and the addiction and carcinogenicity of AN, tempting to provide novel insights into the development and utilization of it, and to control the adverse consequences caused by AN chewing.

A Review of the Repair of DNA Double Strand Breaks in the Development of Oral Cancer

“…The pathological formation of DSBs is commonly related to ionizing radiation, chemotherapeutic drugs (alkylating agents, cross-linking agents, radiomimetics), DNA replication stress, and defects in transcription. With regard to the aetiology of oral cancer, tobacco smoking [14], areca nut use [15], alcohol intake [16], microbial infection [17,18], chronic inflammation [19], and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS; [20]) have all been shown to induce DSBs. However, the molecular profile of oral cancer is varied.…”

The role of microbiota in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A review of the literature

“…Since alcohol and betel nuts are risk factors for ESCC, these ingested substances could also affect the composition of esophageal microbiota. 70,71 Alcohol is metabolized in the liver from alcohol into acetaldehyde and causes toxic damage to gut microbiota, while betel nuts release harmful chemicals to bacteria directly. 70,71 Oral hygiene and esophageal disease…”

“…70,71 Alcohol is metabolized in the liver from alcohol into acetaldehyde and causes toxic damage to gut microbiota, while betel nuts release harmful chemicals to bacteria directly. 70,71 Oral hygiene and esophageal disease…”

“…While a healthy diet brings a healthy esophageal microbiota, an unhealthy dietary habit could lead to unhealthy esophageal microbiota. Since alcohol and betel nuts are risk factors for ESCC, these ingested substances could also affect the composition of esophageal microbiota 70,71 . Alcohol is metabolized in the liver from alcohol into acetaldehyde and causes toxic damage to gut microbiota, while betel nuts release harmful chemicals to bacteria directly 70,71 …”