Gut bacteria and cancer

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2015 Aug;1856(1):86-90. doi: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2015.05.007. Epub 2015 Jun 4.

Abstract

Microbiota on the mucosal surfaces of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract greatly outnumbers the cells in the human body. Effects of antibiotics indicate that GI tract bacteria may be determining the fate of distal cancers. Recent data implicate dysregulated host responses to enteric bacteria leading to cancers in extra-intestinal sites. Together these findings point to novel anti-cancer strategies aimed at promoting GI tract homeostasis.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Enteric; Immune system; Mammary cancer; Microbes; Neutrophils; Regulatory T cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / isolation & purification*
  • Bacteria / pathogenicity
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Interleukin-6 / immunology
  • Intestines / immunology
  • Intestines / microbiology*
  • Neoplasms / complications
  • Neoplasms / microbiology*
  • Neutrophils / immunology

Substances

  • Interleukin-6