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Evaluating Cell Death Using Cell-Free Supernatant of Probiotics in Three-Dimensional Spheroid Cultures of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Published on: June 13, 2020
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Probiotics and colon cancer prevention
1CSIRO Division of Human Nutrition.
Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|January 8, 2014
Summary
This review explores probiotic bacteria for colon cancer prevention. While rodent studies show promise, human evidence is limited, suggesting probiotics offer minimal cancer risk reduction.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health concern.
- Probiotic bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus, are investigated for their potential health benefits.
- Modulating gut microbiota is a potential strategy for CRC prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing evidence on the efficacy of probiotic bacteria in reducing the risk of colon cancer in humans.
- To evaluate the strength of evidence from both animal models and human studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature focusing on probiotic interventions and colon cancer risk.
- Analysis of studies utilizing rodent models of colon cancer.
- Examination of human epidemiological and marker intervention studies (e.g., fecal enzymes, bile acids, mutagens).
Main Results:
- Rodent models provide convincing evidence for reduced colon cancer incidence and burden with oral probiotics.
- Human studies offer limited and less convincing evidence for probiotic efficacy in cancer prevention.
- Marker intervention studies in humans show mixed results regarding the impact of probiotics on cancer risk indicators.
Conclusions:
- While promising in animal models, the evidence supporting the use of probiotic bacteria for colon cancer prevention in humans is currently limited.
- Further rigorous human studies are needed to establish the role of probiotics in CRC prevention strategies.
- The current data suggests probiotics provide minimal support for colon cancer risk reduction in humans.
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