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Published on: July 31, 2017
The role of the gut-brain axis and polyphenolic compounds in glioblastoma
Bhavana Agnihotram1, Iris Mutiu2, Hannah Chiou3
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois, USA.
Abstract:
Polyphenols are metabolites derived from plant-based sources studied in cancer research for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties. While previous studies have focused more on their impact on gastrointestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and malignancies such as colon cancer, there is less attention on their role in neurological diseases and malignancies more distant from the gastrointestinal tract, like brain cancer. Recent work indicates potential for polyphenols to beneficially modulate the gut microbiome and improve neurological disorders through the gut-brain axis. Glioblastoma, classified as a grade 4 brain tumor by the World Health Organization, poses significant challenges with inefficient conventional treatments that yield a low 5-year survival rate. Recent meta-analyses demonstrate the potential of various plant foods to reduce the risk of glioma. However, specific dietary recommendations for brain cancer remain elusive, and the mechanisms of action of plant foods and their compounds, as well as their impact through the gut-brain axis, must still be explored. This review will discuss the impact of polyphenols on the gut-brain axis and analyze the potential benefits of implementing them as preventive and therapeutic glioblastoma interventions with relation to the gut microbiome.
Insights
Polyphenols from plants show promise for brain cancer prevention and treatment by influencing the gut microbiome and the gut-brain axis. Further research is needed to explore these dietary compounds for glioblastoma interventions.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Polyphenols, plant-derived compounds, possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties relevant to cancer research.
- Existing research on polyphenols primarily focuses on gastrointestinal diseases and cancers, with limited exploration of their role in neurological disorders like brain cancer.
- The gut-brain axis and the gut microbiome are increasingly recognized for their influence on neurological health and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of polyphenols on the gut-brain axis in the context of neurological diseases.
- To analyze the potential of polyphenols as preventive and therapeutic interventions for glioblastoma (GBM).
- To explore the role of the gut microbiome in mediating the effects of polyphenols on GBM.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current research on polyphenols, the gut-brain axis, and glioblastoma.
- Analysis of studies investigating the modulatory effects of polyphenols on the gut microbiome.
- Examination of evidence linking dietary factors and plant-based compounds to glioma risk and progression.
Main Results:
- Preliminary evidence suggests polyphenols can beneficially modulate the gut microbiome, potentially impacting neurological disorders.
- Meta-analyses indicate that certain plant foods may reduce glioma risk.
- The specific mechanisms by which polyphenols influence the gut-brain axis and brain cancer require further elucidation.
Conclusions:
- Polyphenols represent a promising area for developing dietary strategies for brain cancer prevention and therapy.
- Targeting the gut microbiome through polyphenol-rich diets may offer a novel approach to managing glioblastoma.
- Further research is essential to establish concrete dietary recommendations and understand the precise mechanisms of action.
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