Potential role of probiotics on colorectal cancer prevention.

2012-11
BMC surgery 12(S1)

PubMed: 23173670
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2482-12-s1-s35

Study Design

Type: Review
Methods: Discussion; in vivo and molecular studies have displayed encouraging findings that support a role of probiotics in colorectal cancer prevention

Highly Cited

Background

Colorectal cancer represents the most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. Owing to differences in dietary habits and lifestyle, this neoplasm is more common in industrialized countries than in developing ones. Evidence from a wide range of sources supports the assumption that the link between diet and colorectal cancer may be due to an imbalance of the intestinal microflora.

Discussion

Probiotic bacteria are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a healthy benefit on the host, and they have been investigated for their protective anti-tumor effects. In vivo and molecular studies have displayed encouraging findings that support a role of probiotics in colorectal cancer prevention.

Summary

Several mechanisms could explain the preventive action of probiotics against colorectal cancer onset. They include: alteration of the intestinal microflora; inactivation of cancerogenic compounds; competition with putrefactive and pathogenic microbiota; improvement of the host's immune response; anti-proliferative effects via regulation of apoptosis and cell differentiation; fermentation of undigested food; inhibition of tyrosine kinase signaling pathways.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Bifidobacterium breve R0070	—	Reduced Risk of Colorectal Cancer	Beneficial	Small	View source Evidence from a wide range of sources supports the assumption that the link between diet and colorectal cancer may be due to an imbalance of the intestinal microflora... In vivo and molecular studies have displayed encouraging findings that support a role of probiotics in colorectal cancer prevention.