Probiotic intervention alters immune gene expression and tumor characteristics in experimental breast cancer

Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy in women worldwide, with recurrence and treatment-related side effects posing significant challenges. Immunotherapy has shown promise, yet an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment can hinder its effectiveness. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus species, may positively influence immune responses and tumor progression in the context of cancer therapy.

This study evaluated the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri PTCC1058 on tumor development and immune responses in a mouse model of breast cancer induced by 4T1 mouse breast carcinoma cells. Female BALB/c mice were divided into probiotic and control groups, receiving oral supplementation of the probiotic or PBS, respectively, for 30 days before and after tumor induction. Tumor volume and survival were assessed over 70 days. The expression levels of key immune mediators, tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF alpha), Interleukin 10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and Fas ligand (FasL) were measured using quantitative real-time PCR, and histopathological analysis was conducted on tumor tissues.

Probiotic treatment exhibited a trend towards reduced tumor volume and improved survival, although not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Key immune mediators showed significant changes, with TGF-β, IL-10, and IDO expressions downregulated and TNF-α and FasL upregulated in the probiotic group (P < 0.01). Histopathological analysis revealed reduced pleomorphism, mitotic activity, and focal necrosis in the probiotic group.

The findings indicate that L. reuteri PTCC1058 may modulate the tumor microenvironment and influence immune responses in breast cancer. While further research is necessary to validate these results, probiotics could represent a complementary therapeutic strategy in breast cancer treatment.