Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus casei BL23 Prevents Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

The gut microbiota plays a major role in intestinal health, and an imbalance in its composition can lead to chronic gut inflammation and a predisposition to developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Currently, the use of probiotic bacteria represents an emerging alternative to treat and prevent cancer. Moreover, consumption of these beneficial bacteria may also favorably modulate the composition of the gut microbiota, which has been described in several studies to play an important role in CRC carcinogenesis. In this context, the aim of this study was to assess the protective effect of oral treatment with Lactobacillus casei BL23, a probiotic strain well known for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. First, CRC was induced in C57BL6 mice by a single intraperitoneal injection with azoxymethane (8 mg/kg), followed by four courses of dextran sodium sulfate (2.5%) in drinking water that were separated by an adjustable recovery period. At the time of sacrifice (day 46), tumor incidence, histological scores, and epithelial proliferation were determined in colon samples. Our results show that L. casei BL23 significantly protected mice against CRC development; specifically, L. casei BL23 treatment reduced histological scores and proliferative index values. In addition, our analysis revealed that L. casei BL23 had an immunomodulatory effect, mediated through the downregulation of the IL-22 cytokine, and an antiproliferative effect, mediated through the upregulation of caspase-7, caspase-9, and Bik. Finally, L. casei BL23 treatment tended to counterbalance CRC-induced dysbiosis in mice, as demonstrated by an analysis of fecal microbiota. Altogether our results demonstrate the high potential of L. casei BL23 for the development of new, probiotic-based strategies to fight CRC.

Multi-omic profiling reveals associations between the gut mucosal microbiome, the metabolome, and host DNA methylation associated gene expression in patients with colorectal cancer

“…On the other hand, genus Lactobacillus and genus Enterococcus, were overrepresented in healthy tissues in the current study, which have been long regarded as anti-inflammation and anti-tumorigenic probiotics [28,29]. A recent study also reported that genus Lactobacillus was able to counterbalance the dysbiosis induced by CRC in human and mice [26,30]. In an animal study, genus Enterococcus was shown to inhibit chemically-induced CRC [31].…”

Fecal microbiota transplantation in cancer management: Current status and perspectives

“…As known butyrate producers, Clostridium butyricum and Bacillus subtilis could inhibit DMH‐induced colonic tumor in mice . Notably, another probiotic, Lactobacillus casei strain BL23 not only inhibited CRC in mice, but also counteracted gut dysbiosis induced by CRC . Additionally, recent clinical studies established that oral Bifidobacterium triple viable probiotics could improve gut dysbiosis and combat small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in CRC patients …”

“…87 Notably, another probiotic, Lactobacillus casei strain BL23 not only inhibited CRC in mice, but also counteracted gut dysbiosis induced by CRC. 88 Additionally, recent clinical studies established that oral Bifidobacterium triple viable probiotics could improve gut dysbiosis and combat small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in CRC patients. 89,90 Our team identified the role of intestinal dysbiosis induced by deoxycholic acid (a carcinogenic secondary bile acid) in the development of CRC.…”

The use of probiotics in prevention and treatment of gastric and colorectal cancer

“…W badaniu na modelu zwierzęcym Jacouton i wsp. wykazano, że szczep Lactobacillus casei BL23 zapobiega rozwinięciu raka jelita grubego, ponieważ posiada właściwości immunomodulujące (obniża stężenie interleukiny przeciwzapalnej -IL-22), a także wywiera efekt antyproliferacyjny, regulując kaspazy (7 i 9) oraz białko proapoptyczne Bik [28].…”