Colorectal cancer and microbiota: systematic review

The gut microbiome maintains the mucus membrane barrier's integrity, and it is modulated by the host's immune system.

To detect the effect of microbiota modulation using probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, and natural changes on colorectal cancers (CRCs).

A PubMed search was conducted to retrieve the original and in vivo articles published in English language from 2010 until 2021 containing the following keywords: 1) CRCs, 2) CRCs treatment (i.e. surgical, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or immunotherapy), and 3) microbiota probiotic(s), prebiotic(s), symbiotic(s), dysbiosis and/or nutritional treatment. A total of 198 PubMed records/articles were initially identified. 108 articles were excluded at the initial screening, and another 29 articles were excluded after reviewing the abstracts, and finally 61 studies were analysed for this systematic review.

The gut microbiota metabolites and (SCFAs) short-chain fatty acids (i.e. acetate and butyrate) have a protective effect against CRCs. SCFAs reduce the inflammatory cytokines, inhibit colonocyte proliferation, and promote malignant cell apoptosis. Butyrate maintains the integrity of the mucus membrane barrier and reduces intestinal mucosal inflammation. Reduced butyric acid level and increased inflammatory cytokines were observed after reduced Bacteroides fragilis and Bacteroides vulgatus species in the colon. Akkermansia muciniphila bacterium decreased in patients with CRCs.

Prebiotics (i.e. inulin and resistant starch, SCFAs producers) and consumption of unprocessed plant products are useful for developing and maintaining healthy gut microbiota. The pro-, pre- and/or symbiotics may be useful when carefully selected for CRC patients, to restore beneficial gut microbiota and support treatment efficacy.