Relationship between gut microbiota and colorectal cancer: Probiotics as a potential strategy for prevention

• Published in: Food research international 2022-06, Vol.156, p.111327-111327, Article 111327
• Main Authors: Lee, Seung Yun, Lee, Da Young, Kang, Ji Hyeop, Kim, Jae Hyeon, Jeong, Jae Won, Kim, Hyun Woo, Oh, Dong Hoon, Yoon, Seung Hyeon, Hur, Sun Jin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Colorectal cancer; Fermented foods; Gut microbiota; Inflammation; Probiotics
• ISSN: 0963-9969; 1873-7145
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111327

[Display omitted] •Characteristics of gut microbiota correlate with CRC development and prevention.•The gut microbiota can generate carcinogenesis factors and chronic inflammation that influence risk of CRC.•Gut microbiota and probiotics produced by fermented foods prevent CRC.•Metabolic activities for CRC prevention in gut microbiota and probiotics are illustrated. Gut microbiota comprise microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract. Some of these microbiota are implicated in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we highlight studies on the effects of meat intake and fermented foods on characteristics of gut microbiota that can influence colitis-associated factors underlying CRC. Gut microbiota can influence the development and progression of CRC, through influencing factors such as secretion of toxins; enzymes for activating carcinogenesis (including β-glucuronidase, β-glucosidase, azoreductase, nitroreductase, and alcohol dehydrogenase); hydrogen sulfide generation; generation of reactive oxygen species and inflammation; secondary bile salt transformation; and products of protein fermentation. Additionally, some studies that the composition of gut microbiota (probiotics) or prebiotics plays an important role in the production of short chain fatty acids, inactivation enzymes for carcinogenesis, antioxidant activities, and inhibition of pathogen colonization. In this review, we discuss various explanatory mechanisms of the relationship between the multifactorial role of the gut microbiota and the development of CRC. Moreover, this review provides fundamental information on dietary fermented food and the gut microbiota, which is helpful for healthy people and those with CRC alike.