REVIEW   

Minerva Gastroenterologica e Dietologica 2020 March;66(1):48-69

DOI: 10.23736/S1121-421X.19.02631-X

Copyright © 2019 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Oral supplementation with lactobacilli to prevent colorectal cancer in preclinical models

Carlo R. SETTANNI ¹, Gianluca QUARANTA ², Stefano BIBBÒ ¹, Antonio GASBARRINI ¹, Giovanni CAMMAROTA ¹, Gianluca IANIRO ¹ ✉

¹ Digestive Disease Center, Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic, IRCCS and Foundation, Sacred Heart Catholic University, Rome, Italy; ² Institute of Microbiology, Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic, IRCCS and Foundation, Sacred Heart Catholic University, Rome, Italy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is still a major threat for public health, as it is the third most common cancer in men and the second in women and it ranks second among tumors in terms of mortality. Evidence from the last decades emphasizes the complex role of gut microbial composition in CRC development. Historically, it is believed that dairy products, a source of lactobacilli and other lactic acid bacteria, are beneficial for human health and help in preventing CRC. We searched online literature for trials evaluating the preventive role of lactobacilli in CRC animal models. Most of selected studied assessed a relevant role of lactobacilli in preventing CRC and precursor lesions. Mechanisms through which this effect was achieved are supposed to regard immunomodulation, regulation of apoptosis, gut microbial modulation, genes expression, reduction of oxidative stress and others. Lactobacilli oral supplementation is reported to be effective in preventing CRC in animal models, even if the underlying mechanisms of action are still not fully understood.

KEY WORDS: Probiotics; Colorectal neoplasms; Dietary supplements; Lactobacillus