Anti-cancer Substances and Safety of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Clinical Treatment

Front Microbiol. 2021 Oct 12:12:722052. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.722052. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a kind of Gram-positive bacteria which can colonize in the biological gastrointestinal tract and play a variety of probiotic roles. LAB have a wide range of applications in industry, animal husbandry, planting, food safety, and medical science fields. Previous studies on LAB have typically concentrated on their effects on improving the digestion and absorption of the gastrointestinal tract, regulating the balance of the microflora, and inhibiting the production and accumulation of toxic substances. The resistance of LAB to cancer is a topic of growing interest and relevance. This paper provided a summary of bio-active substances of LAB when they act against cancer, as well as the safety of LAB in clinical cancer treatment. Moreover, this paper further discussed several possible directions for future research and the potential application of LAB as anti-cancer therapy.

Keywords: anti-cancer; lactic acid bacteria; mechanisms; safety; substances.

Publication types

  • Review