Polyphenol Mechanisms against Gastric Cancer and Their Interactions with Gut Microbiota: A Review

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Oncology
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Gastric cancer (GC) treatment faces challenges due to drug resistance and a lack of new therapies.
• Polyphenols exhibit anti-Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and antitumor properties, suggesting potential for GC drug development.
• Polyphenols often have low bioavailability and bioactivity due to their chemical structures and physical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms by which gastrointestinal flora mediate the effects of polyphenols against gastric cancer (GC).
• To explore the synergistic relationship between polyphenols and gut microbiota in combating GC.
• To highlight the potential of targeting the gut microbiome for enhancing polyphenol-based GC therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on studies investigating polyphenol-gut flora interactions in the context of gastric cancer.
• Analysis of research on the impact of intestinal flora on polyphenol bioavailability and bioactivity.
• Examination of studies detailing how polyphenols influence gut microbial composition and function.

Main Results:

• Intestinal flora can significantly improve the absorption, utilization, and biological activity of polyphenols.
• Polyphenol compounds can positively modulate the gut microbiota, increasing richness and reducing harmful bacteria.
• A balanced gut microenvironment, influenced by polyphenols, is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and potentially inhibiting GC progression.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiota plays a critical role in mediating the anti-gastric cancer effects of polyphenols.
• Harnessing the gut flora-polyphenol interaction presents a promising strategy for developing novel GC treatments.
• Further research into this synergy could lead to improved therapeutic outcomes for gastric cancer patients.