A component of polysaccharide peptidoglycan complex on Lactobacillus induced an improvement of murine model of inflammatory bowel disease and colitis-associated cancer

Research progress on the microbiota in bladder cancer tumors

The microbiota, also referred to as the microbial community, is a crucial component of the human microenvironment. It is located predominantly in various organs, including the intestines, skin, oral cavity, respiratory tract, and reproductive tract. The microbiota maintains a symbiotic relationship with the human body, influencing physiological and pathological functions to a significant degree. There is increasing evidence linking the microbial flora to human cancers. In contrast to the traditional belief that the urethra and urine of normal individuals are sterile, recent advancements in high-throughput sequencing technology and bacterial cultivation methods have led to the discovery of specific microbial communities in the urethras of healthy individuals. Given the prevalence of bladder cancer (BCa) as a common malignancy of the urinary system, researchers have shifted their focus to exploring the connection between disease development and the unique microbial community within tumors. This shift has led to a deeper investigation into the role of microbiota in the onset, progression, metastasis, prognosis, and potential for early detection of BCa. This article reviews the existing research on the microbiota within BCa tumors and summarizes the findings regarding the roles of different microbes in various aspects of this disease.

Effect of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG for Regulation of Inflammatory Response in Radiation-Induced Enteritis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) probiotics in radiation enteritis using in vivo mice. A total of 40 mice were randomly assigned to four groups: control, probiotics, radiotherapy (RT), and RT + probiotics. For the group of probiotics, 0.2 mL of solution that contained 1.0 × 108 colony-forming units (CFU) of LGG was used and orally administered daily until sacrifice. For RT, a single dose of 14 Gy was administered using a 6 mega-voltage photon beam to the abdominopelvic area. Mice were sacrifice at day 4 (S1) and day 7 (S2) after RT. Their jejunum, colon, and stool were collected. A multiplex cytokine assay and 16 s ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing were then performed. Regarding cytokine concentrations in tissues, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1, showed significantly decreased protein levels in colon tissues of the RT + probiotics group than in the RT alone group (all p < 0.05). As for comparing microbial abundance through alpha-diversity and beta-diversity, no significant differences were observed between the RT + probiotics and RT alone groups, except for an increase in alpha-diversity in the stool of the RT + probiotics group. Upon analysis of differential microbes based on treatment, the dominance of anti-inflammatory-related microbes, such as Porphyromonadaceae, Bacteroides acidifaciens, and Ruminococcus, was observed in the jejunum, colon, and stool of the RT + probiotics group. With regard to predicted metabolic pathway abundances, the pathways associated with anti-inflammatory processes, such as biosynthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides, peptidoglycans, tryptophan, adenosylcobalamin, and propionate, were differentially identified in the RT + probiotics group compared to the RT alone group. Protective effects of probiotics on radiation enteritis were potentially derived from dominant anti-inflammation-related microbes and metabolites.

A Narrative Review on the Advance of Probiotics to Metabiotics

Recently, the term metabiotics has emerged as a new concept of probiotics. This concept entails combining existing probiotic components with metabolic by-products improve specific physiological functionalities. Representative ingredients of these metabiotics include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bacteriocins, polysaccharides, and peptides. The new concept is highly regarded as it complements the side effects of existing probiotics and is safe and easy to administer. Known health functions of metabiotics are mainly immune regulation, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and brain-neurological health. Research has been actively conducted on the health benefits related to the composition of intestinal microorganisms. Among them, the focus has been on brain neurological health, which requires extensive research. This study showed that neurological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, can be treated and prevented according to the gut-brain axis theory by changing the intestinal microflora. In addition, various studies are being conducted on the immunomodulatory and anticancer effects of substances related to metabiotics of the microbiome. In particular, its efficacy is expected to be confirmed through human studies on various cancers. Therefore, developing various health functional effects of the next-generation probiotics such as metabiotics to prevent or treatment of various diseases is anticipated.

Overcoming cancer risk in inflammatory bowel disease: new insights into preventive strategies and pathogenesis mechanisms including interactions of immune cells, cancer signaling pathways, and gut microbiota

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized primarily by gastrointestinal inflammation, predominantly manifests as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). It is acknowledged that Inflammation plays a significant role in cancer development and patients with IBD have an increased risk of various cancers. The progression from inflammation to carcinogenesis in IBD is a result of the interplay between immune cells, gut microbiota, and carcinogenic signaling pathways in epithelial cells. Long-term chronic inflammation can lead to the accumulation of mutations in epithelial cells and the abnormal activation of carcinogenic signaling pathways. Furthermore, Immune cells play a pivotal role in both the acute and chronic phases of IBD, contributing to the transformation from inflammation to tumorigenesis. And patients with IBD frequently exhibit dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome. Disruption of the gut microbiota and subsequent immune dysregulation are central to the pathogenesis of both IBD and colitis associated colorectal cancer (CAC). The proactive management of inflammation combined with regular endoscopic and tumor screenings represents the most direct and effective strategy to prevent the IBD-associated cancer.

The role of Lactobacillus in inflammatory bowel disease: from actualities to prospects

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a chronic nonspecific intestinal inflammatory disease, is comprised of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD). IBD is closely related to a systemic inflammatory reaction and affects the progression of many intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. As one of the representative bacteria for probiotic-assisted therapy in IBD, multiple strains of Lactobacillus have been proven to alleviate intestinal damage and strengthen the intestinal immunological barrier, epithelial cell barrier, and mucus barrier. Lactobacillus also spares no effort in the alleviation of IBD-related diseases such as Colitis-associated Colorectal cancer (CAC), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Depression, Anxiety, Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH), and so on via gut-brain axis and gut-liver axis. This article aims to discuss the role of Lactobacillus in IBD and IBD-related diseases, including its underlying mechanisms and related curative strategies from the present to the future.

No Associations between Dairy Intake and Markers of Gastrointestinal Inflammation in Healthy Adult Cohort

Dairy products are a good source of essential nutrients and past reviews have shown associations of dairy consumption with decreased systemic inflammation. Links between dairy intake and gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation are under-investigated. Therefore, we examined associations between reported dairy intake and markers of GI inflammation in healthy adults in a cross-sectional observational study, hypothesizing a negative association with yogurt intake, suggesting a protective effect, and no associations with total dairy, fluid milk, and cheese intake. Participants completed 24-h dietary recalls and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess recent and habitual intake, respectively. Those who also provided a stool sample (n = 295), and plasma sample (n = 348) were included in analysis. Inflammation markers from stool, including calprotectin, neopterin, and myeloperoxidase, were measured along with LPS-binding protein (LBP) from plasma. Regression models tested associations between dairy intake variables and inflammation markers with covariates: age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). As yogurt is episodically consumed, we examined differences in inflammation levels between consumers (>0 cup equivalents/day reported in recalls) and non-consumers. We found no significant associations between dairy intake and markers of GI inflammation. In this cohort of healthy adults, dairy intake was not associated with GI inflammation.

Arginine deiminase produced by lactic acid bacteria as a potent anti-cancer drug

Bacterial-based cancer immunotherapy has recently gained widespread attention due to its exceptional mechanism of rich pathogen-associated molecular patterns in anti-cancer immune responses. Contrary to conventional cancer therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and phototherapy, bacteria-based cancer immunotherapy has the unique ability to suppress cancer by selectively accumulating and growing in tumours. In the view of this, several bacterial strains are being used for the treatment of cancer. Of which, lactic acid bacteria are a powerful, albeit still inadequately understood bacteria that possess a wide source of bioactive chemicals. Lactic acid bacteria metabolites, such as bacteriocins, short-chain fatty acids, exopolysaccharides show antitumour property. Amino acid pathways, which have lately been focussed as a new strategy to cancer therapy, are key element of the adaptability and dysregulation of metabolic pathways identified in proliferation of tumour cells. Arginine metabolism, in particular, has been shown to be critical for cancer therapy. As a result, better understanding of arginine metabolism in LAB and cancer cells could lead to new cancer therapeutic targets. This review will outline current advances in the interaction of arginine metabolism with cancer therapy and propose an arginine deiminase expression system to combat cancer more effectively.

The Urinary Microbiome and Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is the 10th most common cancer worldwide. Approximately 75% of patients with bladder cancer will present with non-muscle invasive disease. Patients are usually treated with transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), in addition to adjuvant intravesical therapy (chemotherapy or anti-cancer immunotherapy with Bacillus Calmette Guerin- BCG) for those at intermediate-risk and high-risk of recurrence and progression. For many years, urine has been thought to be “sterile”; however, advanced microbiological and molecular techniques, including 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing, have negated that previous paradigm and confirmed the presence of a urinary microbiome. The urinary microbiome has been associated with several urological diseases, including interstitial cystitis, urgency urinary incontinence, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, and others. More recently, many reports are emerging about the role of the urinary microbiome in urothelial carcinogenesis, including gender disparity in bladder cancer and responses to treatments. The urinary microbiome may serve as a biomarker that can help with risk stratification as well as prediction of the response to intravesical therapies. However, the microbiome literature has been hampered by the lack of a unified standardized methodology for sample collection, type, preservation, processing, as well as bioinformatics analysis. Herein we describe and critique the literature on the association between urinary microbiome and bladder cancer and highlight some of the future directions.

Immune-Enhancing Effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum in BALB/c Mice Immunosuppressed by Cyclophosphamide

This study evaluates the immune-enhancing effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppression in BALB/c mice. In vitro, the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and MAPK signaling molecules in Raw264.7 cells were analyzed by ELISA and Western blot analysis. Moreover, cell proliferation, surface receptor expression, and cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells were examined by Cell Counting Kit-8, CytoTox96 assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. To investigate the immune-enhancing effects of selected L. fermentum strains in vivo, these strains were orally administered to BALB/c mice for 2 weeks, and CP was intraperitoneally injected. Then, liver, spleen, and whole blood were isolated from each animal. Administration of single L. fermentum strains or their mixture sustained the spleen weight, the counts of white blood cells compared to non-fed group. Splenocyte proliferation and NK cytotoxicity were significantly increased in all L. fermentum-fed groups. The frequency of B220+ cells was also significantly enhanced in splenocytes isolated from L. fermentum groups. In addition, the production of cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ) and antibodies was recovered in splenocyte supernatants isolated from L. fermentum groups. In conclusion, L. fermentum could be a suitable functional food additive for immune-enhancing effect.

Anticancer activity of lactic acid bacteria

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), a group of Gram-positive microorganisms naturally occurring in fermented food products and used as probiotics, have been gaining the interest of researchers for years. LAB are potent, albeit still not wholly understood, source of bioactive compounds with various functions and activity. Metabolites of LAB, among others, short-chain fatty acids, exopolysaccharides and bacteriocins have promising anticancer potential. Research on the interactions between the bioactive metabolites of LAB and immune mechanisms demonstrated that these substances could exert a strong immunomodulatory effect, which would explain their vast therapeutic potential. The anticancer activity of LAB was confirmed both in vitro and in animal models against cancer cells from various malignancies. LAB inhibit tumor growth through various mechanisms, including antiproliferative activity, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, as well as through antimutagenic, antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this review was to summarize the most recent data about the anticancer activity of LAB, with particular emphasis on the most promising bioactive compounds with potential clinical application.

Structural determination of the cell wall polysaccharide LCPS-1 in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota YIT 9029

The neutral polysaccharides LCPS-1 and LCPS-2 play functional roles in the cell wall of the lactic acid bacterium Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota YIT 9029 (LcS; formerly Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota YIT 9029), which has long been used as a probiotic food product. Studies have shown that LCPS-1 is associated with the immunomodulatory functions of LcS. We hypothesized that the structure of LCPS-1 is crucial for elucidating the mechanism of action of LcS on host immune responses and aimed to solve the undetermined primary structure of LCPS-1. Our results showed that LCPS-1 has a molecular weight of >400 kDa and is composed of Glc, Rha, Gal, and GlcNAc, with a repeating structure. Using limited degradation reactions, including controlled Smith and deamination degradations, we obtained key fragments with low molecular weight. Subsequently, their structures were analyzed using NMR spectra and other analytical techniques. Further, we integrated the results for each key fragment to derive the complete structure of LCPS-1. Our results indicated that the most probable structure of LCPS-1 is composed of two types of units (X, Y), each with a basic structure of seven sugars in which the C2-position of Rha is substituted with an acetyl group. The structure of X is {6[Glcβ1-2] Galα1-3[2-OAc] Rhaβ1-4Glcβ1-4[Rhaα1-3] [Glcα1-6] Glcβ1-} and that of Y is {6[Glcβ1-2] Galα1-3[2-OAc] Rhaβ1-4Glcβ1-4[Rhaα1-3] [Glcα1-6)] GlcNAcβ1-}, which can be expressed as (X₆Y₁₂)_n. In this study, we identified the primary structure of LCPS-1, and our results may enable an improved understanding of the immunomodulatory abilities of LcS.

Do Bacteria Provide an Alternative to Cancer Treatment and What Role Does Lactic Acid Bacteria Play?

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. According to 2022 statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), close to 10 million deaths have been reported in 2020 and it is estimated that the number of cancer cases world-wide could increase to 21.6 million by 2030. Breast, lung, thyroid, pancreatic, liver, prostate, bladder, kidney, pelvis, colon, and rectum cancers are the most prevalent. Each year, approximately 400,000 children develop cancer. Treatment between countries vary, but usually includes either surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. Modern treatments such as hormone-, immuno- and antibody-based therapies are becoming increasingly popular. Several recent reports have been published on toxins, antibiotics, bacteriocins, non-ribosomal peptides, polyketides, phenylpropanoids, phenylflavonoids, purine nucleosides, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and enzymes with anticancer properties. Most of these molecules target cancer cells in a selective manner, either directly or indirectly through specific pathways. This review discusses the role of bacteria, including lactic acid bacteria, and their metabolites in the treatment of cancer.

Recombinant Bifidobacterium longum Carrying Endostatin Protein Alleviates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis and Colon Cancer in Rats

Bifidobacterium has been widely administrated orally as probiotics to prevent pathogen colonization and modulate the gut microbiome balance. Endostatin is an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis and has been shown to inhibit tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. At present, the combination of endostatin and chemotherapeutic drugs has been regarded as a promising antitumor treatment strategy. In this study, we selected a safe strain of Bifidobacterium longum as a delivery system to transport endostatin to the gastrointestinal tract and explored their combined effect on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated cancer. The results indicated that B. longum-Endo relieved dextran sulfate sodium-induced body weight loss, diarrhea, colon shortening, and epithelium damage. Long-term oral administration of B. longum-Endo significantly decreased tumor formation rate, tumor number, and tumor size. Moreover, the effect of B. longum-Endo on gut microbiota dysbiosis was also confirmed by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The levels of potentially beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Allobaculum, and Parabateroides, were increased in the B. longum-Endo group compared to the model and B. longum groups. Meanwhile, levels of potentially pathogenic bacteria including Desulfovibrio, Helicobacter, and Enterorhabdus were decreased. Taken together, these results suggested that oral administration of recombinant B. longum-Endo strain may be a promising therapeutic strategy for IBD and colitis-associated cancer.

Inflammatory bowel disease and carcinogenesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the fourth most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) is a subtype of CRC associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is well known that individuals with IBD have a 2-3 times higher risk of developing CRC than those who do not, rendering CAC a major cause of death in this group. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of CAC are incompletely understood, animal models of chronic inflammation and human cohort data indicate that changes in the intestinal environment, including host response dysregulation and gut microbiota perturbations, may contribute to the development of CAC. Genomic alterations are a hallmark of CAC, with patterns that are distinct from those in sporadic CRC. The discovery of the biological changes that underlie the development of CAC is ongoing; however, current data suggest that chronic inflammation in IBD increases the risk of developing CAC. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the precise mechanisms by which inflammation triggers genetic alterations and disrupts intestinal homeostasis may provide insight into novel therapeutic strategies for the prevention of CAC.

Probiotic Molecules That Inhibit Inflammatory Diseases

Consumption of probiotics for health purposes has increased vastly in the past few decades, and yet the scientific evidence to support health benefits from probiotics is only beginning to emerge. As more probiotics are studied, we are beginning to understand the mechanisms of action by which they benefit human health, as well as to identify the bacterial molecules responsible for these benefits. A new era of therapeutics is on the horizon in which purified molecules from probiotics will be used to prevent and treat diseases. In this review, we summarize the active molecules from probiotic bacteria that have been shown to affect innate and adaptive immunity and have health benefits in experimental settings. We focus particularly on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the probiotic Bacillus subtilis and its active molecule, exopolysaccharide (ESPBs).

Postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus plantarum 1.0386 Ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced tight junction injury via MicroRNA-200c-3p Mediated Activation of MLCK-MLC Pathway in Caco-2 Cells

L. plantarum 1.0386 could repair the intestinal epithelial tight junction injury, and the present study was designed to further explore the role of its postbiotics, including surface protein (1.0386-Slp), peptidase...

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Influenced by Postbiotics

In recent years, commensal bacteria colonizing the human body have been recognized as important determinants of health and multiple pathologic conditions. Among the most extensively studied commensal bacteria are the gut microbiota, which perform a plethora of functions, including the synthesis of bioactive products, metabolism of dietary compounds, and immunomodulation, both through attenuation and immunostimulation. An imbalance in the microbiota population, i.e., dysbiosis, has been linked to many human pathologies, including various cancer types and neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting gut microbiota and microbiome-host interactions resulting from probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics is a growing opportunity for the effective treatment of various diseases. As more research is being conducted, the microbiome field is shifting from simple descriptive analysis of commensal compositions to more molecular, cellular, and functional studies. Insight into these mechanisms is of paramount importance for understanding and modulating the effects that microbiota, probiotics, and their derivatives exert on host health.

Probiotics in Counteracting the Role of Neutrophils in Cancer Metastasis

Neutrophils are known for their role geared towards pathogen clearance by different mechanisms that they initiate, primarily by the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). However, their immune-surveillance capacity accompanied with plasticity in existing as interchangeable subsets, discovered recently, has revealed their property to contribute to complex cancer pathologies including tumor initiation, growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. Although there is a growing body of evidence suggesting a critical balance between the protumoral and antitumoral neutrophil phenotypes, an in-depth signaling pathway analysis would aid in determination of anticipatory, diagnostic and therapeutic targets. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the potential pathways involved in neutrophil-triggered cancer metastasis and introduces the influence of the microbial load and avenues for probiotic intervention.

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

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.

Alisol B 23-Acetate Ameliorates Azoxymethane/Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Male Murine Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer via Modulating the Composition of Gut Microbiota and Improving Intestinal Barrier

Hunting for natural compounds that can modulate the structure of the intestinal flora is a new hotspot for colitis‐associated cancer (CAC) prevention or treatment. Alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A) is a natural tetracyclic triterpenoid found in Alismatis rhizoma which is well known for dietary herb. Alismatis rhizoma is often used clinically to treat gastrointestinal diseases in China. In this study, we investigated the potential prevention of AB23A in male mouse models of azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced CAC. AB23A intervention alleviated the body weight loss, disease activity index, colon tumor load, tissue injury, and inflammatory cytokine changes in CAC mice. AB23A intervention leads to remarkable reductions in the activation of TLR, NF-κB and MAPK. AB23A significantly decreased the phosphorylation of p38, ERK, and JNK and up-regulated mucin-2 and the expression of tight junction proteins. The gut microbiota of AB23A-interfered mice was characterized with high microbial diversity, the reduced expansion of pathogenic bacteria, such as Klebsiella, Citrobacter, and Akkermansia, and the increased growth of bacteria including Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Alloprevotella. These data reveal that AB23A has the potential to be used to treat CAC in the future.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Associated Changes in the Gut: Focus on Kazan Patients

BACKGROUND

Several studies have highlighted the role of host-microbiome interactions in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), resulting in an increasing amount of data mainly focusing on Western patients. Because of the increasing prevalence of IBD in newly industrialized countries such as those in Asia, the Middle East, and South America, there is mounting interest in elucidating the gut microbiota of these populations. We present a comprehensive analysis of several IBD-related biomarkers and gut microbiota profiles and functions of a unique population of patients with IBD and healthy patients from Kazan (Republic of Tatarstan, Russia).

METHODS

Blood and fecal IBD biomarkers, serum cytokines, and fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content were profiled. Finally, fecal microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S and whole-genome shotgun sequencing.

RESULTS

Fecal microbiota whole-genome sequencing confirmed the presence of classic IBD dysbiotic features at the phylum level, with increased abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria and decreased abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia. At the genus level, the abundance of both fermentative (SCFA-producing and hydrogen (H2)-releasing) and hydrogenotrophic (H2-consuming) microbes was affected in patients with IBD. This imbalance was confirmed by the decreased abundance of SCFA species in the feces of patients with IBD and the change in anaerobic index, which mirrors the redox status of the intestine.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analyses highlighted how IBD-related dysbiotic microbiota-which are generally mainly linked to SCFA imbalance-may affect other important metabolic pathways, such as H2 metabolism, that are critical for host physiology and disease development.

Investigating the association between the urinary microbiome and bladder cancer: An exploratory study

INTRODUCTION

We sought to investigate the association between the urinary microbiome and bladder cancer, including the difference between nonmuscle-invasive (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive (MIBC) bladder cancer, and Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) responsive vs. BCG-refractory NMIBC.

METHODS

Urine specimens were collected from consecutive patients with bladder cancer and healthy volunteers. Urine samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing to identify and compare any present bacteria. Alteration in the urinary microbiome was described in terms of alpha (diversity of populations within a sample) and beta diversities (differences between populations among different samples). Analyses were corrected for age, sex, method of sample preservation, and method of collection (mid-stream catch vs. catheterized urine).

RESULTS

Fifty-three samples (43 patients with bladder cancer, and 10 controls) were included. For bladder cancer patients, mean age was 70 years, 7 (16%) were females; and 29 (67%) had NMIBC. Among patients with NMIBC, 11 (38%) patients received BCG, 6 of which had recurrence or progression after a median follow up of 13 months. Comparing the microbiome of bladder cancer patients vs. healthy controls, beta-diversity was significantly different, with Actinomyces, Achromobacter, Brevibacterium, and Brucella significantly more abundant in urine samples of bladder cancer patients. Comparing NMIBC and MIBC, Hemophilus and Veillonella were significantly more abundant in urine of MIBC patients, while Cupriavidus was significantly more abundant in NMIBC patients. Among NMIBC patients, Serratia and Brochothrix, Negativicoccus, Escherichia-Shigella, and Pseudomonas were significantly more abundant in patients who responded to BCG in comparison to those who did not.

CONCLUSION

Urinary microbiome varied between patients with bladder cancer and healthy controls. Moreover, urinary microbial profiles differed among patient with NMIBC vs. MIBC, and among BCG responsive vs. BCG refractory NMIBC.

Polysaccharides from natural resources exhibit great potential in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: A review

The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is high. Despite the availability of various therapeutic agents for the treatment of UC, the routine treatment has limitations and serious side effects. Therefore, a new drug that safely and effectively treats UC is urgently needed. Polysaccharides from natural resources have recently become a hot topic of study for their therapeutic effects on UC. These effects are associated with the regulation of inflammatory cytokines, intestinal flora, and immune system and protection of the intestinal mucosa. This review focuses on the recent advances of polysaccharides from natural resources in the treatment of UC. The mechanisms and practicability of polysaccharides, including pectin, guar gum, rhamnogalacturonan, chitosan, fructan, psyllium, glycosaminoglycan, algal polysaccharides, polysaccharides from fungi and traditional Chinese medicine, and polysaccharide derivatives, are discussed in detail. The good efficacy and safety of polysaccharides make them promising drugs for treating UC.

Probiotics: A Dietary Factor to Modulate the Gut Microbiome, Host Immune System, and Gut-Brain Interaction

Various benefits of probiotics to the host have been shown in numerous human clinical trials. These organisms have been proposed to act by improving the balance of the gut microbiota and enhancing the production of short-chain fatty acids, as well as by interacting with host cells in the gastrointestinal tract, including immune cells, nerve cells, and endocrine cells. Although the stimulation of host cells by probiotics and subsequent signaling have been explained by in vitro experiments and animal studies, there has been some skepticism as to whether probiotics can actually interact with host cells in the human gastrointestinal tract, where miscellaneous indigenous bacteria coexist. Most recently, it has been shown that the ileal microbiota in humans after consumption of a fermented milk is occupied by probiotics for several hours, indicating that there is adequate opportunity for the ingested strain to stimulate the host cells continuously over a period of time. As the dynamics of ingested probiotics in the human gastrointestinal tract become clearer, further progress in this research area is expected to elucidate their behavior within the tract, as well as the mechanism of their physiological effects on the host.

OBTAINING AND CHARACTERISTIC OF MUROPEPTIDES OF PROBIOTIC CULTURES CELL WALLS

Розглянуто можливість отримання муропептидів пептидогліканів клітинних стінок Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus B-3964 шляхом комбінації застосування автолітичних процесів та ферментативної обробки біомаси за участю лізоциму та папаїну. Встановлено, що найбільш значні автолітичні зміни біомаси мають місце при застосуванні високотемпературної обробки (90°С протягом 30 хв) на завершальній стадії логарифмічної фази росту бактерій. Так, на восьмій годині інкубації при 37°С вміст амінокислот у культуральному середовищі складає 1,8 мг/см3, а при 90°С – 5,7 мг/см3. Із метою подальшої деструкції автолізату біомаси та отримання низькомолекулярних фрагментів пептидоглікану, досліджували процес його ферментолізу лізоцимом та папаїном окремо та при їхній комбінації. Найвищий вміст НМП у реакційному середовищі мав місце при ферментолізі біомаси Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus B-3964 композицією ферментів при співвідношенні лізоцим:папаїн 1:2. При концентрації ферментів 10 мг/см3 вміст НМП складав 7,2 мг/см3 на 8-му годину інкубації реакційної суміші. Результати досліджень показали, що ефективність ферментолізу автолізату значно вища. Так, кількість НМП у ферментолізаті, який отримали при обробці автолізату композицією лізоцим:папаїн 1:2 при концентрації ферментів 10мг/см3 та тривалості процесу протягом 8 годин на 36% більша, ніж за аналогічних параметрів без застосування процесу автолізу. Методом гель-хроматографії доведено, що у складі ферментолізату присутні фракції білкових сполук з молекулярною масою в межах 70–90 кДа, 30–40 кДа та 294–650 Дa. Молекулярна маса останньої фракції відповідає масі мурамилдипептиду.

Lactobacillus casei LH23 modulates the immune response and ameliorates DSS-induced colitis via suppressing JNK/p-38 signal pathways and enhancing histone H3K9 acetylation

Probiotics are thought to have immunomodulatory functions, improve inflammatory disorders and treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Structure and biological activities of a hexosamine-rich cell wall polysaccharide isolated from the probiotic Lactobacillus farciminis

Lactobacillus farciminis CIP 103136 is a bacterial strain with recognized probiotic properties. However, the mechanisms underlying such properties have only been partially elucidated. In this study, we isolated and purified a cell-wall associated polysaccharide (CWPS), and evaluated its biological role in vitro. The structure of CWPS and responses from stimulation of (i) human macrophage-like THP-1 cells, (ii) human embryonal kidney (HEK293) cells stably transfected with Toll-like receptors (TLR2 or TLR4) and (iii) human colonocyte-like T84 intestinal epithelial cells, upon exposure to CWPS were studied. The structure of the purified CWPS from L. farciminis CIP 103136 was analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), MALDI-TOF-TOF MS, and methylation analyses in its native form and following Smith degradation. It was shown to be a novel branched polysaccharide, composed of linear backbone of trisaccharide repeating units of: [→6αGlcpNAc1 → 4βManpNAc1 → 4βGlcpNAc1→] highly substituted with single residues of αGlcp, αGalp and αGlcpNAc. Subsequently, the lack of pro- or anti-inflammatory properties of CWPS was established on macrophage-like THP-1 cells. In addition, CWPS failed to modulate cell signaling pathways dependent of TLR2 and TLR4 in transfected HEK-cells. Finally, in T84 cells, CWPS neither influenced intestinal barrier integrity under basal conditions nor prevented TNF-α/IFN-γ cytokine-mediated epithelium impairment.

Probiotics and Their Potential Preventive and Therapeutic Role for Cancer, High Serum Cholesterol, and Allergic and HIV Diseases

The potential health benefits of probiotics have long been elucidated since Metchnikoff and his coworkers postulated the association of probiotic consumption on human's health and longevity. Since then, many scientific findings and research have further established the correlation of probiotic and gut-associated diseases such as irritable bowel disease and chronic and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, the beneficial impact of probiotic is not limited to the gut-associated diseases alone, but also in different acute and chronic infectious diseases. This is due to the fact that probiotics are able to modify the intestinal microbial ecosystem, enhance the gut barrier function, provide competitive adherence to the mucosa and epithelium, produce antimicrobial substances, and modulate the immune activity by enhancing the innate and adaptive immune response. Nevertheless, the current literature with respect to the association of probiotic and cancer, high serum cholesterol, and allergic and HIV diseases are still scarce and controversial. Therefore, in the present work, we reviewed the potential preventive and therapeutic role of probiotics for cancer, high serum cholesterol, and allergic and HIV diseases as well as providing its possible mechanism of actions.

OBTAINING AND CHARACTERISTIC OF MUROPEPTIDES OF PROBIOTIC CULTURES CELL WALLS

The possibility of muropeptides obtaining of peptidoglycans of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus B-3964 cell walls by the combination of the use of autolytic processes and enzyme treatment of biomass with the participation of lysozyme and papain has been considered. It has been established that the most significant autolytic changes in biomass occur in the application of high-temperature processing (90°C for 30 minutes) in the final stage of the logarithmic phase of bacterial growth. Thus, after eighth hour of biomass incubation at 37°C, the amino acid content in the culture medium was 1.8 mg/cm3, and at 90°C it was 5.7 mg/cm3. In order to further destruction of biomass autolysate and obtaining of low molecular weight peptidoglycan fragments, the process of its enzymatic hydrolysis was studied with lysozyme and papain separately and at their combination. The highest content of low molecular weight peptides in the reaction medium occurred at enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus B-3964 by the composition of enzymes at a ratio of lysozyme : papain 1:2. At a concentration of enzymes 10 mg/cm3, the content of low molecular weight peptides was 7.2 mg/cm3 after eighth hour of incubation of the reaction mixture. The results of studies have been shown that the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of autolysates is much higher. Thus, the amount of low molecular weight peptides in the hydrolysate obtained by processing the autolysate with the composition of lysozyme : papain 1:2 at an enzymes concentration 10 mg/cm3 and the duration of the process for 8 hours by 36% higher than for similar hydrolysis parameters without the use of the process of autolysis.The method of gel chromatography was proved that in the hydrolysate there are fractions of protein compounds with a molecular weight in the range of 70–90 kDa, 30–40 kDa and 294–650 Da. The molecular weight of the latter fraction corresponds to the mass of the muramyl dipeptide. The presence of muropeptides was proved by reaction with the Anthron reagent.

Helminth infection in mice improves insulin sensitivity via modulation of gut microbiota and fatty acid metabolism

Intestinal helminths are prevalent in individuals who live in rural areas of developing countries, where obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome are rare. In the present study, we analyzed the modulation of the gut microbiota in mice infected with the helminth Strongyloides venezuelensis, and fed either a standard rodent chow diet or high-fat diet (HFD). To investigate the effects of the microbiota modulation on the metabolism, we analyzed the expression of tight-junction proteins present in the gut epithelium, inflammatory markers in the serum and tissue and quantified glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and resistance. Additionally, the levels of lipids related to inflammation were evaluated in the feces and serum. Our results show that infection with Strongyloides venezuelensis results in a modification of the gut microbiota, most notably by increasing Lactobacillus spp. These modifications in the microbiota alter the host metabolism by increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, switching macrophages from a M1 to M2 pattern in the adipose tissue, increasing the expression of tight junction proteins in the intestinal cells (thereby reducing the permeability) and decreasing LPS in the serum. Taken together, these changes correlate with improved insulin signaling and sensitivity, which could also be achieved with HFD mice treated with probiotics. Additionally, helminth infected mice produce higher levels of oleic acid, which participates in anti-inflammatory pathways. These results suggest that modulation of the microbiota by helminth infection or probiotic treatment causes a reduction in subclinical inflammation, which has a positive effect on the glucose metabolism of the host.

Lactobacillus brevis KB290 With Vitamin A Ameliorates Murine Intestinal Inflammation Associated With the Increase of CD11c+ Macrophage/CD103- Dendritic Cell Ratio

BACKGROUND

The ratio of colonic anti-inflammatory CD11c+ macrophages (MPs) to inflammatory CD103- dendritic cells (DCs) plays pivotal roles in intestinal inflammation. Little is known about how the ratio is regulated by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria (Bif). We investigated the contribution of LAB/Bif to this ratio.

METHODS

We established an in vitro experimental system using human myeloblastic KG-1 cells, which differentiate into CD11c+ MP-like (CD11c+ MPL) and CD103- DC-like (CD103- DCL) cells, and explored effective LAB/Bif strains. The selected strain's effect on the colonic CD11c+ MP/CD103- DC ratio and intestinal inflammation was examined in mice, and the strain's underlying mechanisms were investigated in vitro.

RESULTS

We screened 19 strains of LAB/Bif, and found that Lactobacillus brevis KB290 (KB290) increased the CD11c+ MPL/CD103- DCL cell ratio only in the presence of a vitamin A (VA) metabolite, retinoic acid (RA). Supplementation of KB290 with VA increased the CD11c+ MP/CD103- DC ratio in healthy mouse and prevented the disruption of the ratio during colitis. Supplementation of KB290 with pro-VA (β-carotene) also increased the ratio in healthy mouse and ameliorated the development of colitis. The ratio was increased by reduction of CD103- DCs (or CD103- DCL cells). Our in vitro data suggested that KB290 induced cell death in CD103- DCL cells in the presence of RA signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementation of KB290 with VA increases the colonic CD11c+ MP/CD103- DC ratio associated with the amelioration of murine colitis, suggesting a possible way to control intestinal inflammation by LAB.

Microbial Interactions and Interventions in Colorectal Cancer

Recently, several lines of evidence that indicate a strong link between the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and aspects of the gut microbiota have become apparent. However, it remains unclear how changes in the gut microbiota might influence carcinogenesis or how regional organization of the gut might influence the microbiota. In this review, we discuss several leading theories that connect gut microbial dysbiosis with CRC and set this against a backdrop of what is known about proximal-distal gut physiology and the pathways of CRC development and progression. Finally, we discuss the potential for gut microbial modulation therapies, for example, probiotics, antibiotics, and others, to target and improve gut microbial dysbiosis as a strategy for the prevention or treatment of CRC.

The regulatory effects of L. plantarum peptidoglycan microspheres on innate and humoral immunity in mouse

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of Lactobacillus Plantarum cell wall peptidoglycan (LPG) microspheres on mouse intestinal flora changes, peptidoglycan recognitions protein (PGRP) and cytokines expression levels.

METHOD

Plate counting was used for enumeration of the intestinal flora. Real-time PCR was used for quantification PGRP in different tissues. Cytokines content were determined by ELISA kits.

RESULT

The mouse administered orally with LPG microspheres showed significantly higher number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in caecum contents (p < 0.01). The amount of PGRP expression in different organs was highest in LPG microspheres-treated group. IL-4, 12, IFN-γ, TNF-α contents in serum from LPG microspheres-treated mouse were significantly higher than those in normal saline-treated group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the LPG microspheres can regulate intestinal flora imbalance and improve systemic immunity, improve both Th1 and Th2 immune response, which provide some basis for the use of LPG as potential adjuvants.

Screening for proteolytically active lactic acid bacteria and bioactivity of peptide hydrolysates obtained with selected strains

In a screening for proteolytically active lactic acid bacteria, three strains, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. lactis 92202, Lactobacillus helveticus 92201, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus 92059, showed the highest activities following growth in milk. All three strains degraded α- and β-casein, but did not hydrolyse κ-casein. HPLC analysis of skim milk fermentation revealed increasing amounts of peptides after 5 and 10 h with Lb. d. ssp. bulgaricus 92059. Hydrolysates obtained with Lb. d. ssp. lactis 92202 and Lb. d. ssp. bulgaricus 92059 revealed the highest angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory effect. The effect was dose dependent. Almost no effect (<10%) was seen for Lb. helveticus 92201. For Lb. d. ssp. bulgaricus 92059, maximal inhibition of approx. 65% was reached after 25 h of fermentation. In an in vitro assay measuring potential immunomodulation, hydrolysates of the three strains yielded anti-inflammatory activities in the presence of TNF-α. However, the effects were more pronounced at lower hydrolysate concentrations. In the absence of TNF-α, slight pro-inflammatory effects were observed. The hydrolysate of Lb. d. ssp. bulgaricus 92059, when purified by means of solid-phase extraction, exhibited pro-inflammatory activity. Sour whey containing Lb. d. ssp. bulgaricus 92059 cells showed pro-inflammatory activity while cell-free sour whey was clearly anti-inflammatory. In the purified hydrolysate, 20 different α- and β-casein (CN)-derived peptides could be identified by LC-MS. Most peptides originated from the central and C-terminal regions of β-casein. Peptide length was between 9 (β-CN(f 59-67)) and 22 amino acids (β-CN(f 117-138)).

The Role of Probiotics in Cancer Treatment: Emphasis on their In Vivo and In Vitro Anti-metastatic Effects

Probiotics are defined as live bacteria and yeasts that exert beneficial effects for health. Among their various effects, anti-cancer properties have been highlighted in recent years. Such effects include suppression of the growth of microbiota implicated in the production of mutagens and carcinogens, alteration in carcinogen metabolism and protection of DNA from oxidative damage as well as regulation of immune system. We performed a computerized search of the MEDLINE/PUBMED databases with key words: cancer, probiotics, lactobacilli, metastasis and invasion. Cell line studies as well as animal models and human studies have shown the therapeutic effects of probiotics in reduction of invasion and metastasis in cancer cells. These results support the beneficial effects of probiotics both in vitro and in vivo. However, pre-clinical or clinical studies are not enough to decide about their application.

Lactobacillus fermentum IM12 attenuates inflammation in mice by inhibiting NF-κB-STAT3 signalling pathway

In the present study, we isolated Lactobacillus fermentum IM12 from human gut microbiota, which strongly inhibited interleukin (IL)-6 expression and STAT3 activation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages, and examined its anti-inflammatory effect in mice with carrageenan-induced hind-paw oedema (CIE) or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis (TIC). Oral administration of IM12 (0.2×109, 1×109 or 5×109 cfu/mouse, once a day for 3 days) in mice with CIE significantly suppressed the increase of oedema volume and thickness, as well as myeloperoxidase activity and IL-6, IL-17, NO, and prostaglandin E2 levels in the carrageenan-stimulated paw. Treatment with IM12 (1×109 cfu/mouse, once a day for 3 days) in mice with TIC significantly suppressed colon shortening, and myeloperoxidase activity and IL-6 and IL-17 levels. Treatment with IM12 in mice with CIE or TIC also suppressed the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, as well as activation of nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Furthermore, IM12 significantly inhibited the expression of iNOS, and COX-2, as well as activation of NF-κB in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. The inflammatory effect of heat-inactivated IM12 was significantly different to that of live IM12 in mice with TIC, although anti-inflammatory effect of IM12 was reduced by heat treatment. Based on these findings, IM12 may attenuate inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB-STAT3 signalling pathway.

Metabiotics: One Step ahead of Probiotics; an Insight into Mechanisms Involved in Anticancerous Effect in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is closely associated with environment, diet and lifestyle. Normally it is treated with surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy but increasing systemic toxicity, resistance and recurrence is prompting scientists to devise new potent and safer alternate prophylactic or therapeutic strategies. Among these, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and metabiotics are being considered as the promising candidates. Metabiotics or probiotic derived factors can optimize various physiological functions of the host and offer an additional advantage to be utilized even in immunosuppressed individuals. Interestingly, anti colon cancer potential of probiotic strains has been attributable to metabiotics that have epigenetic, antimutagenic, immunomodulatory, apoptotic, and antimetastatic effects. Thus, it's time to move one step further to utilize metabiotics more smartly by avoiding the risks associated with probiotics even in certain normal/or immuno compromised host. Here, an attempt is made to provide insight into the adverse effects associated with probiotics and beneficial aspects of metabiotics with main emphasis on the modulatory mechanisms involved in colon cancer.

Capacity of lactic acid bacteria in immunity enhancement and cancer prevention

Lactic acid bacteria are associated with the human gastrointestinal tract. They are important for maintaining the balance of microflora in the human gut. An increasing number of published research reports in recent years have denoted the importance of producing interferon-gamma and IgA for treatment of disease. These agents can enhance the specific and nonspecific immune systems that are dependent on specific bacterial strains. The mechanisms of these effects were revealed in this investigation, where the cell walls of these bacteria were modulated by the cytokine pathways, while the whole bacterial cell mediated the host cell immune system and regulated the production of tumor necrosis factors and interleukins. A supplement of highly active lactic acid bacteria strains provided significant potential to enhance host's immunity, offering prevention from many diseases including some cancers. This review summarizes the current understanding of the function of lactic acid bacteria immunity enhancement and cancer prevention.

Inflammatory bowel disease: exploring gut pathophysiology for novel therapeutic targets

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the 2 major phenotypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which are influenced by a complex interplay of immunological and genetic elements, though the precise etiology still remains unknown. With IBD developing into a globally prevailing disease, there is a need to explore new targets and a thorough understanding of the pathophysiological differences between the healthy and diseased gut could unearth new therapeutic opportunities. In this review, we provide an overview of the major aspects of IBD pathogenesis and thereafter present a comprehensive analysis of the gut pathophysiology leading to a discussion on some of the most promising targets and biologic therapies currently being explored. These include various gut proteins (CXCL-10, GATA-3, NKG2D, CD98, microRNAs), immune cells recruited to the gut (mast cells, eosinophils, toll-like receptors 2, 4), dysregulated proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, -13, -18, -21), and commensal microbiota (probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation). We also evaluate some of the emerging nonconventional therapies being explored in IBD treatment focusing on the latest developments in stem cell research, oral targeting of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, novel anti-inflammatory signaling pathway targeting, adenosine deaminase inhibition, and the beneficial effects of antioxidant and nutraceutical therapies. In addition, we highlight the growth of biologics and their targets in IBD by providing information on the preclinical and clinical development of over 60 biopharmaceuticals representing the state of the art in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease drug development.

Oral exposure to environmental pollutant benzo[a]pyrene impacts the intestinal epithelium and induces gut microbial shifts in murine model

Gut microbiota dysbiosis are associated with a wide range of human diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases. The physiopathology of these diseases has multifactorial aetiology in which environmental factors, particularly pollution could play a crucial role. Among the different pollutants listed, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are subject to increased monitoring due to their wide distribution and high toxicity on Humans. Here, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the impact of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP, most toxic PAH) oral exposure on the faecal and intestinal mucosa-associated bacteria in C57BL/6 mice. Intestinal inflammation was also evaluated by histological observations. BaP oral exposure significantly altered the composition and the abundance of the gut microbiota and led to moderate inflammation in ileal and colonic mucosa. More severe lesions were observed in ileal segment. Shifts in gut microbiota associated with moderate inflammatory signs in intestinal mucosa would suggest the establishment of a pro-inflammatory intestinal environment following BaP oral exposure. Therefore, under conditions of genetic susceptibility and in association with other environmental factors, exposure to this pollutant could trigger and/or accelerate the development of inflammatory pathologies.

Characterization of the microbiome of nipple aspirate fluid of breast cancer survivors

The microbiome impacts human health and disease. Until recently, human breast tissue and milk were presumed to be sterile. Here, we investigated the presence of microbes in the nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) and their potential association with breast cancer. We compared the NAF microbiome between women with a history of breast cancer (BC) and healthy control women (HC) using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The NAF microbiome from BC and HC showed significant differences in community composition. Two Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) showed differences in relative abundances between NAF collected from BC and HC. In NAF collected from BC, there was relatively higher incidence of the genus Alistipes. By contrast, an unclassified genus from the Sphingomonadaceae family was relatively more abundant in NAF from HC. These findings reflect the ductal source DNA since there were no differences between areolar skin samples collected from BC and HC. Furthermore, the microbes associated with BC share an enzymatic activity, Beta-Glucuronidase, which may promote breast cancer. This is the first report of bacterial DNA in human breast ductal fluid and the differences between NAF from HC and BC. Further investigation of the ductal microbiome and its potential role in breast cancer are warranted.

Gut microbiota and colorectal cancer

The mucosal immune system is unique to the gastrointestinal mucosa, in which a large number of immune cells are located and exert multiple functions. Meanwhile, ~100 trillion microorganisms are thought to co-inhabit in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, immune cells and gut microbiota have a mutual influence and the maintenance of this symbiotic relationship results in gut homeostasis. A recent study suggested that a disturbance of gut microbiota-so called "dysbiosis"-is related to various diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated cancer (CAC). In this review, we discuss the relationship between gut microbiota and the mucosal immune system with regard to the development of IBD and CAC. In addition, we elucidate the possibility of probiotics in treatment against these diseases.

The Potential Role of Probiotics in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

The human gut microbiota has a significant effect on many aspects of human physiology such as metabolism, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Imbalance of the microbiota has been implicated in many disorders including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, asthma, psychiatric illnesses, and cancers. As a kind of functional foods, probiotics have been shown to play a protective role against cancer development in animal models. Clinical application of probiotics indicated that some probiotic strains could diminish the incidence of postoperative inflammation in cancer patients. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy-related diarrhea was relieved in patients who were administered oral probiotics. The present review summarizes the up-to-date studies on probiotic effects and the underlying mechanisms related to cancer. At present, it is commonly accepted that most commercial probiotic products are generally safe and can improve the health of the host. By modulating intestinal microbiota and immune response, some strains of probiotics can be used as an adjuvant for cancer prevention or/and treatment.

The interplay of extracellular matrix and microbiome in urothelial bladder cancer

Many pathological changes in solid tumours are caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations and epigenetic molecular alterations. In addition, tumour progression is profoundly influenced by the environment surrounding the transformed cells. The interplay between tumour cells and their microenvironment has been recognized as one of the key determinants of cancer development and is being extensively investigated. Data suggest that both the extracellular matrix and the microbiota represent microenvironments that contribute to the onset and progression of tumours. Through the introduction of omics technologies and pyrosequencing analyses, a detailed investigation of these two microenvironments is now possible. In urological research, assessment of their dysregulation has become increasingly important to provide diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers for urothelial bladder cancer. Understanding the roles of the extracellular matrix and microbiota, two key components of the urothelial mucosa, in the sequelae of pathogenic events that occur in the development and progression of urothelial carcinomas will be important to overcome the shortcomings in current bladder cancer treatment strategies.

Mechanisms and therapeutic effectiveness of lactobacilli

The gut microbiome is not a silent ecosystem but exerts several physiological and immunological functions. For many decades, lactobacilli have been used as an effective therapy for treatment of several pathological conditions displaying an overall positive safety profile. This review summarises the mechanisms and clinical evidence supporting therapeutic efficacy of lactobacilli. We searched Pubmed/Medline using the keyword ‘Lactobacillus’. Selected papers from 1950 to 2015 were chosen on the basis of their content. Relevant clinical and experimental articles using lactobacilli as therapeutic agents have been included. Applications of lactobacilli include kidney support for renal insufficiency, pancreas health, management of metabolic imbalance, and cancer treatment and prevention. In vitro and in vivo investigations have shown that prolonged lactobacilli administration induces qualitative and quantitative modifications in the human gastrointestinal microbial ecosystem with encouraging perspectives in counteracting pathology-associated physiological and immunological changes. Few studies have highlighted the risk of translocation with subsequent sepsis and bacteraemia following probiotic administration but there is still a lack of investigations on the dose effect of these compounds. Great care is thus required in the choice of the proper Lactobacillus species, their genetic stability and the translocation risk, mainly related to inflammatory disease-induced gut mucosa enhanced permeability. Finally, we need to determine the adequate amount of bacteria to be delivered in order to achieve the best clinical efficacy decreasing the risk of side effects.

Anti-inflammatory properties of fermented soy milk with Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis S-SU2 in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells and DSS-induced IBD model mice

Six lactic acid bacteria strains (four Lactobacillus plantarum strains and one each of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and Pediococcus pentosaceus) have been isolated and shown to possess anti-oxidant activity. In this study, we determined their acid, bile, salt resistance, and adhesion activity on human enterocyte-like HT-29-Luc and Caco-2 cells. An isolate Lc. lactis S-SU2 showed highest bile resistance and adhesion activity compared to type strains. S-SU2 could ferment both 10% skimmed milk and soy milk while the type strain could not ferment soy milk. Soy milk fermented with S-SU2 showed an increased nitric oxide (NO) secretion in the mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells without bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of the fermented soy milk on Escherichia coli O111 LPS-induced NO secretion were higher than those of fresh soy milk. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was induced in mice fed either 5% (w/v) dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water or 50% soy milk in drinking water. Shortening of colon length, breaking of epithelial cells, lowering liver and thymus weights, and enlargement of spleen are some of the characteristics observed in the IBD, which were prevented by the use of soy milk fermented with Lc. lactis S-SU2.

Tissue invasion and metastasis: Molecular, biological and clinical perspectives

Cancer is a key health issue across the world, causing substantial patient morbidity and mortality. Patient prognosis is tightly linked with metastatic dissemination of the disease to distant sites, with metastatic diseases accounting for a vast percentage of cancer patient mortality. While advances in this area have been made, the process of cancer metastasis and the factors governing cancer spread and establishment at secondary locations is still poorly understood. The current article summarizes recent progress in this area of research, both in the understanding of the underlying biological processes and in the therapeutic strategies for the management of metastasis. This review lists the disruption of E-cadherin and tight junctions, key signaling pathways, including urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene (PI3K/AKT), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), β-catenin/zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB-1) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), together with inactivation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and suppression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity as key targets and the use of phytochemicals, or natural products, such as those from Agaricus blazei, Albatrellus confluens, Cordyceps militaris, Ganoderma lucidum, Poria cocos and Silybum marianum, together with diet derived fatty acids gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and inhibitory compounds as useful approaches to target tissue invasion and metastasis as well as other hallmark areas of cancer. Together, these strategies could represent new, inexpensive, low toxicity strategies to aid in the management of cancer metastasis as well as having holistic effects against other cancer hallmarks.