Microbial Metabolite Dysbiosis and Colorectal Cancer

Effect of Probiotics on Improving Intestinal Mucosal Permeability and Inflammation after Surgery

Background/Aims

We explored the mechanisms underlying the improvement of postoperative ileus (POI) following probiotic pretreatment. We assessed intestinal permeability, inflammation, tight junction (TJ) protein expression in the gut epithelium, and plasma interleukin (IL)-17 levels in a guinea pig model of POI.

Methods

Guinea pigs were divided into control, POI, and probiotic groups. The POI and probiotic groups underwent surgery, but the probiotic group received probiotics before the procedure. The ileum and proximal colon were harvested. Intestinal permeability was measured via horseradish peroxidase permeability. Inflammation was evaluated via leukocyte count in the intestinal wall muscle layer, and calprotectin expression in each intestinal wall layer was analyzed immunohistochemically. TJ proteins were analyzed using immunohistochemical staining, and plasma IL-17 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The POI group exhibited increased intestinal permeability and inflammation, whereas probiotic pretreatment reduced the extent of these POI-induced changes. Probiotics restored the expression of TJ proteins occludin and zonula occludens-1 in the proximal colon, which were increased in the POI group. Calprotectin expression significantly increased in the muscle layer of the POI group and was downregulated in the probiotic group; however, no distinct differences were observed between the mucosal and submucosal layers. Plasma IL-17 levels did not significantly differ among the groups.

Conclusions

Probiotic pretreatment may relieve POI by reducing intestinal permeability and inflammation and TJ protein expression in the gut epithelium. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic approach for POI management.

Deciphering the metabolic landscape of colorectal cancer through the lens of AhR-mediated intestinal inflammation

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most common cancer worldwide, with its incidence steadily increasing due to an aging demographic and various lifestyle-related risk factors, including poor nutrition, tobacco use, sedentary behaviour and obesity. These factors promote the risk of colorectal cancer by inducing chronic colonic inflammation, a principal catalyst of carcinogenesis. This review delves into evidence that suggests that metabolic abnormalities mediated through inflammatory responses are fundamental in the progression of CRC. This dysregulation of essential metabolic pathways in colorectal cancer, facilitates tumor proliferation, immune evasion, and metastasis. Additionally, this review explores how inflammatory mediators, and dietary carcinogens induce metabolic alterations, fostering a pro-tumorigenic milieu. Special focus is placed on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a pivotal metabolic regulator that links inflammation and tumor metabolism, elucidating its function in the reconfiguration of cellular energetics and the inflammatory microenvironment. Furthermore, this review also focuses on clarifying the relationship between inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and the progression of CRC, so as to identify potential therapeutic targets.

Oral vancomycin treatment alters levels of indole derivatives and secondary bile acids modulating the expression of mTOR pathway genes in astrocytes during EAE

Astrocytes play important roles in the central nervous system (CNS) during health and disease. Prior studies have shown that gut commensal-derived indole derivatives as well as secondary bile acids modulate astrocyte function during the late stage of EAE (recovery phase). Here we showed that administering vancomycin to mice starting during the early stage of EAE improved disease recovery, an effect that is mediated by the gut microbiota. We observed that 6 taxa within the Clostridia vadin BB60 group were enriched in vancomycin-treated mice compared to untreated EAE mice. Vancomycin-treated EAE mice also had elevated serum levels of the anti-inflammatory tryptophan-derived metabolite, indole-3-lactic acid and decreased levels of deoxycholic acid, a pro-inflammatory secondary bile acid. RNA sequencing revealed altered expression of several genes belonging to the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in astrocytes obtained during the late stage of EAE from vancomycin-treated EAE mice. Furthermore, we observed a link between serum levels of indole derivatives and bile acids and expression of several genes belonging to the mTOR pathway. Interestingly, the mTOR signaling cascades have been implicated in several key biological processes including innate (e.g., astrocyte) immune responses as well as neuronal toxicity/degeneration. In addition, rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of mTOR, has been shown to inhibit the induction and progression of established EAE. Collectively, our findings suggest that the neuroprotective effect of vancomycin is at least partially mediated by indole derivatives and secondary bile acids modulating the expression of mTOR pathway genes in astrocytes.

Molecular and cellular mechanisms of PDAC progression based on RETN-CAP1-mediated macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk: Action of ITGB5 and ITGB1 recombinant proteins

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a very poor prognosis, and the main objective of this study was to reveal the specific mechanism of action of TN-CAP1-mediated macrophage-fibroblast crossinulation in the progression of PDAC, and to evaluate the function and potential therapeutic value of ITGB5 and ITGB1 recombinant proteins in this process. The expression of TN-CAP1 in tumor tissues of PDAC patients was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and compared with normal pancreatic tissues. The co-culture system of macrophages and fibroblasts was constructed using in vitro cell culture model. The intercellular interactions and their effects on the proliferation, migration and invasion of tumor cells were observed by adding or knocking down ITGB5 and ITGB1 proteins. Western blot and RT-PCR were also used to detect the expression changes of related signaling pathway proteins and mRNA, which verified the effects of ITGB5 and ITGB1 recombinant proteins on tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. In vitro experiments showed that the addition of ITGB5 and ITGB1 recombinant proteins significantly enhanced the interaction between macrophages and fibroblasts, and promoted the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. Specifically, ITGB5 and ITGB1 recombinant proteins promote tumor cell aggressiveness by activating the FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Interactions between the tumor microbiota and breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Changes in the microbiota and their metabolites affect the occurrence and development of breast cancer; however, the specific mechanisms are not clear. Gut microbes and their metabolites influence the development of breast cancer by regulating the tumor immune response, estrogen metabolism, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy effects. It was previously thought that there were no microorganisms in breast tissue, but it is now thought that there are microorganisms in breast cancer that can affect the outcome of the disease. This review builds on existing research to comprehensively analyze the role of gut and intratumoral microbiota and their metabolites in the development and metastasis of breast cancer. We also explore the potential function of the microbiota as biomarkers for prognosis and therapeutic response, highlighting the need for further research to clarify the causal relationship between the microbiota and breast cancer. We hope to provide new ideas and directions for the development of new methods for breast cancer treatment.

Anaerobic Faecalicatena spp. degrade sulfoquinovose via a bifurcated 6-deoxy-6-sulfofructose transketolase/transaldolase pathway to both C2- and C3-sulfonate intermediates

Plant-produced sulfoquinovose (SQ, 6-deoxy-6-sulfoglucose) is one of the most abundant sulfur-containing compounds in nature and its bacterial degradation plays an important role in the biogeochemical sulfur and carbon cycles and in all habitats where SQ is produced and degraded, particularly in gut microbiomes. Here, we report the enrichment and characterization of a strictly anaerobic SQ-degrading bacterial consortium that produces the C2-sulfonate isethionate (ISE) as the major product but also the C3-sulfonate 2,3-dihydroxypropanesulfonate (DHPS), with concomitant production of acetate and hydrogen (H2). In the second step, the ISE was degraded completely to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) when an additional electron donor (external H2) was supplied to the consortium. Through growth experiments, analytical chemistry, genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics, we found evidence for a combination of the 6-deoxy-6-sulfofructose (SF) transketolase (sulfo-TK) and SF transaldolase (sulfo-TAL) pathways in a SQ-degrading Faecalicatena-phylotype (family Lachnospiraceae) of the consortium, and for the ISE-desulfonating glycyl-radical enzyme pathway, as described for Bilophila wadsworthia, in an Anaerospora-phylotype (Sporomusaceae). Furthermore, using total proteomics, a new gene cluster for a bifurcated SQ pathway was also detected in Faecalicatena sp. DSM22707, which grew with SQ in pure culture, producing mainly ISE, but also 3-sulfolacate (SL) 3-sulfolacaldehyde (SLA), acetate, butyrate, succinate, and formate, but not H2. We then reproduced the growth of the consortium with SQ in a defined co-culture model consisting of Faecalicatena sp. DSM22707 and Bilophila wadsworthia 3.1.6. Our findings provide the first description of an additional sulfoglycolytic, bifurcated SQ pathway. Furthermore, we expand on the knowledge of sulfidogenic SQ degradation by strictly anaerobic co-cultures, comprising SQ-fermenting bacteria and cross-feeding of the sulfonate intermediate to H2S-producing organisms, a process in gut microbiomes that is relevant for human health and disease.

Metabolic interactions of host-gut microbiota: New possibilities for the precise diagnosis and therapeutic discovery of gastrointestinal cancer in the future-A review

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer continues to pose a significant global health challenge. Recent advances in our understanding of the complex relationship between the host and gut microbiota have shed light on the critical role of metabolic interactions in the pathogenesis and progression of GI cancer. In this study, we examined how microbiota interact with the host to influence signalling pathways that impact the formation of GI tumours. Additionally, we investigated the potential therapeutic approach of manipulating GI microbiota for use in clinical settings. Revealing the complex molecular exchanges between the host and gut microbiota facilitates a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive cancer development. Metabolic interactions hold promise for the identification of microbial signatures or metabolic pathways associated with specific stages of cancer. Hence, this study provides potential strategies for the diagnosis, treatment and management of GI cancers to improve patient outcomes.

From colon wall to tumor niche: Unraveling the microbiome's role in colorectal cancer progression

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is influenced by perturbations in the colonic microbiota, characterized by an imbalance favoring pathogenic bacteria over beneficial ones. This dysbiosis contributes to CRC initiation and progression through mechanisms such as carcinogenic metabolite production, inflammation induction, DNA damage, and oncogenic signaling activation. Understanding the role of external factors in shaping the colonic microbiota is crucial for mitigating CRC progression. This study aims to elucidate the gut microbiome's role in CRC progression by analyzing paired tumor and mucosal tissue samples obtained from the colon walls of 17 patients. Through sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, we characterized the tumor microbiome and assessed its association with clinical variables. Our findings revealed a significant reduction in alpha diversity within tumor samples compared to paired colon biopsy samples, indicating a less diverse microbial environment within the tumor microenvironment. While both tissues exhibited dominance of similar bacterial phyla, their relative abundances varied, suggesting potential colon-specific effects. Fusobacteriota enrichment, notably in the right colon, may be linked to MLH1 deficiency. Taxonomy analysis identified diverse bacterial genera, with some primarily associated with the colon wall and others unique to this region. Conversely, several genera were exclusively expressed in tumor tissue. Functional biomarker analysis identified three key genes with differential abundance between tumor microenvironment and colon tissue, indicating distinct metabolic activities. Functional biomarker analysis revealed three key genes with differential abundance: K11076 (putrescine transport system) and K10535 (nitrification) were enriched in the tumor microenvironment, while K11329 (SasA-RpaAB circadian timing mediator) dominated colon tissue. Metabolic pathway analysis linked seven metabolic pathways to the microbiome. Collectively, these findings highlight significant gut microbiome alterations in CRC and strongly suggest that long-term dysbiosis profoundly impacts CRC progression.

Exploring the gut microbiome's role in colorectal cancer: diagnostic and prognostic implications

The intricate interplay between the gut microbiome and colorectal cancer (CRC) presents novel avenues for early diagnosis and prognosis, crucial for improving patient outcomes. This comprehensive review synthesizes current findings on the gut microbiome's contribution to CRC pathogenesis, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for non-invasive CRC screening strategies. We explore the mechanisms through which the microbiome influences CRC, including its roles in inflammation, metabolism, and immune response modulation. Furthermore, we assess the viability of microbial signatures as predictive tools for CRC prognosis, offering insights into personalized treatment approaches. Our analysis underscores the necessity for advanced metagenomic studies to elucidate the complex microbiome-CRC nexus, aiming to refine diagnostic accuracy and prognostic assessment in clinical settings. This review propels forward the understanding of the microbiome's diagnostic and prognostic capabilities, paving the way for microbiome-based interventions in CRC management.

Inhibition of the NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling pathway in colorectal cancer by tyrosol: a gut microbiota-derived metabolite

BACKGROUND

The development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) are influenced by the gut environment, much of which is modulated by microbial-derived metabolites. Although some research has been conducted on the gut microbiota, there have been limited empirical investigations on the role of the microbial-derived metabolites in CRC.

METHODS

In this study, we used LC-MS and 16S rRNA sequencing to identify gut microbiome-associated fecal metabolites in patients with CRC and healthy controls. Moreover, we examined the effects of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and tyrosol on CRC by establishing orthotopic and subcutaneous tumor mouse models. Additionally, we conducted in vitro experiments to investigate the mechanism through which tyrosol inhibits tumor cell growth.

RESULTS

Our study revealed changes in the gut microbiome and metabolome that are linked to CRC. We observed that Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a bacterium known for its multiple anti-CRC properties, is significantly more abundant in the intestines of healthy individuals than in those of individuals with CRC. In mouse tumor models, our study illustrated that Faecalibacterium prausnitzii has the ability to inhibit tumor growth by reducing inflammatory responses and enhancing tumor immunity. Additionally, research investigating the relationship between CRC-associated features and microbe-metabolite interactions revealed a correlation between Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and tyrosol, both of which are less abundant in the intestines of tumor patients. Tyrosol demonstrated antitumor activity in vivo and specifically targeted CRC cells without affecting intestinal epithelial cells in cell experiments. Moreover, tyrosol treatment effectively reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines in MC38 cells. Western blot analysis further revealed that tyrosol inhibited the activation of the NF-κB and HIF-1 signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

This study investigated the relationship between CRC development and changes in the gut microbiota and microbial-derived metabolites. Specifically, the intestinal metabolite tyrosol exhibits antitumor effects by inhibiting HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway activation, leading to a reduction in the levels of ROS and inflammatory factors. These findings indicate that manipulating the gut microbiota and its metabolites could be a promising approach for preventing and treating CRC and could provide insights for the development of anticancer drugs.

Ecosystemic Approach to Understanding Gut Microbiome-Mediated Prevention of Colorectal Cancer

Humans and their associated microorganisms coexist in complex symbiotic relationships. Continuously advancing research is demonstrating the crucial role of host-associated microbiota in the pathophysiology and etiology of disease and in mediating the prevention thereof. As an exemplar, the gut microbiota, especially colonic bacteria, have been extensively studied in colorectal cancer (CRC), and the growing body of evidence establishes new oncomicrobes and their oncometabolites associated with the initiation and promotion of carcinogenesis. Herein, we discuss the importance of approaching the gut microbiome as an ecosystem rather than an assortment of individual factors, especially in the context of cancer prevention. Furthermore, we argue that a dietary pattern effectively drives multiple nodes of the gut microbial ecosystem toward disease- or health-promoting qualities. In the modern circumstances of excessive consumption of ultraprocessed and animal-based foods and concomitant escalation of chronic disease burden worldwide, we focus on whole food-derived dietary fiber as a key to establishing a health-promoting eubiosis in the gut.

A novel near-infrared polymethine dye biosensor for rapid and selective detection of lithocholic acid

Lithocholic acid (LCA), a secondary bile acid, has emerged as a potential early diagnostic biomarker for various liver diseases. In this study, we introduce a novel near-infrared (NIR) polymethine dye-based biosensor, capable of sensitive and selective detection of LCA in phosphate buffer and artificial urine (AU) solutions. The detection mechanism relies on the formation of J-aggregates resulting from the interplay of 3,3-Diethylthiatricarbocyanine iodide (DiSC2(7)) dye molecules and LCA, which induces a distinctive red shift in both absorption and fluorescence spectra. The biosensor demonstrates a detection limit for LCA of 70 μM in PBS solution (pH 7.4), while in AU solution, it responds to an LCA concentration as low as ∼60 μM. Notably, the proposed biosensor exhibits outstanding selectivity for LCA, effectively distinguishing it from common interferents such as uric acid, ascorbic acid, and glucose. This rapid, straightforward, and cost-effective spectrometer-based method underscores its potential for early diagnosis of liver diseases by monitoring LCA concentrations.

Microbial metabolites affect tumor progression, immunity and therapy prediction by reshaping the tumor microenvironment (Review)

Several studies have indicated that the gut microbiome and tumor microbiota may affect tumors. Emerging metabolomics research illustrates the need to examine the variations in microbial metabolite composition between patients with cancer and healthy individuals. Microbial metabolites can impact the progression of tumors and the immune response by influencing a number of mechanisms, including modulation of the immune system, cancer or immune‑related signaling pathways, epigenetic modification of proteins and DNA damage. Microbial metabolites can also alleviate side effects and drug resistance during chemotherapy and immunotherapy, while effectively activating the immune system to exert tumor immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the impact of microbial metabolites on tumor immunity can be both beneficial and harmful, potentially influenced by the concentration of the metabolites or the specific cancer type. The present review summarizes the roles of various microbial metabolites in different solid tumors, alongside their influence on tumor immunity and treatment. Additionally, clinical trials evaluating the therapeutic effects of microbial metabolites or related microbes on patients with cancer have been listed. In summary, studying microbial metabolites, which play a crucial role in the interaction between the microbiota and tumors, could lead to the identification of new supplementary treatments for cancer. This has the potential to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment and enhance patient prognosis.

Citraconate promotes the malignant progression of colorectal cancer by inhibiting ferroptosis

Metastasis is a principal factor in the poor prognosis of colorectal cancer. Recent studies have found microbial metabolites regulate colorectal cancer metastasis. By analyzing metabolomics data, we identified an essential fecal metabolite citraconate that potentially promotes colorectal cancer metastasis. Next, we tried to reveal its effect on colorectal cancer and the underlying mechanism. Firstly, the response of colorectal cancer cells (HCT116 and MC38 cells) to citraconate was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, clonogenic assay, transwell migration and invasion assay. Moreover, we utilized an intra-splenic injection model to evaluate the effect of citraconate on colorectal cancer liver metastasis in vivo. Then molecular approaches were employed, including RNA sequencing, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, western blot, quantitative real-time PCR, cell ferrous iron colorimetric assay and intracellular malondialdehyde measurement. In vitro, citraconate promotes the growth of colorectal cancer cells. In vivo, citraconate aggravated liver metastasis of colorectal cancer. Mechanistically, downstream genes of NRF2, NQO1, GCLC, and GCLM high expression induced by citraconate resulted in resistance to ferroptosis of colorectal cancer cells. In summary, citraconate promotes the malignant progression of colorectal cancer through NRF2-mediated ferroptosis resistance in colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, our study indicates that fecal metabolite may be crucial in colorectal cancer development.

Colonization of the gut mucosa of colorectal cancer patients by pathogenic mucosa-associated Escherichia coli strains

Some strains of Escherichia coli are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of current study was to compare the general characteristics of the E. coli from CRC patients and healthy participants. A total of 96 biopsy samples from 48 CRC patients and 48 healthy participants, were studied. The clonality of the E. coli isolates was analyzed by Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-based PCR (ERIC-PCR) method. The strains were tested by PCR to determine the prevalence of different virulence factors. According to the results of ERIC-PCR analysis, (from the 860 E. coli isolates) 60 strains from CRC patients and 41 strains from healthy controls were identified. Interestingly, the majority of the strains of both groups were in the same cluster. Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) was detected significantly more often in CRC patients (21.6 %) than in healthy participants (2.4 %) (p < 0.05). The Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) was found in 18.33 % of the strains of CRC patients. However, other pathotypes were not found in the E. coli strains of both groups. Furthermore, all the studied genes encoding for virulence factors seemed to be more prevalent in the strains belonging to CRC patients. Among the virulence genes, the statistical difference regarding the frequency of fuyA, chuA, vat, papC, hlyA and cnf1 genes was found significant (p < 0.05). In conclusion, E. coli strains that carry extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) and diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) multiple virulence factors colonize the gut mucosa of CRC patients.

Organoids as an in vitro model to study human tumors and bacteria

Organoids faithfully replicate the morphological structure, physiological functions, stable phenotype of the source tissue. Recent research indicates that bacteria can significantly influence the initiation, advancement, and treatment of tumors. This article provides a comprehensive review of the applications of organoid technology in tumor research, the relationship between bacteria and the genesis and development of tumors, and the exploration of the impact of bacteria on tumors and their applications in research.

A potential novel biomarker: comprehensive analysis of prognostic value and immune implication of CES3 in colonic adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

Colon cancer is the most common malignant tumor in the intestine. Abnormal Carboxylesterases 3 (CES3) expression had been reported to be correlated to multiple tumor progression. However, the association among CES3 expression and prognostic value and immune effects in colonic adenocarcinoma (COAD) were unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The transcription and expression data of CES3 and corresponding clinical information was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The CES3 protein expression and the prognostic value were verified based on tissue microarray data. The Cancer immune group Atlas (TCIA), Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm and the GSE78220 immunotherapy cohort were used to forecast immunotherapy efficacy. Finally, a prognostic immune signature was constructed and verified.

RESULTS

Compared with normal colon tissues, the expression of mRNA and protein levels of CES3 were downregulated in tumor tissues. CES3 expression was associated with TIICs. Hihg-CES3 COAD patients had better efficacy of concurrent immunotherapy. CES3-related immune genes (CRIs) were identified and were then used to construct prognostic immune signature and had been successfully verified in GES39582.

CONCLUSION

CES3 might be a potential immune-related gene and promising prognostic biomarker in COAD.

Plasma Bacterial DNA Load as a Potential Biomarker for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer: A Case-Control Study

The gut microbiota has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its significant impact on colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. The recent detection of bacterial DNA load in plasma holds promise as a potential non-invasive approach for early cancer detection. The aim of this study was to examine the quantity of bacterial DNA present in the plasma of 50 patients who have CRC in comparison to 40 neoplastic disease-free patients, as well as to determine if there is a correlation between the amount of plasma bacterial DNA and various clinical parameters. Plasma bacterial DNA levels were found to be elevated in the CRC group compared to the control group. As it emerged from the logistic analysis (adjusted for age and gender), these levels were strongly associated with the risk of CRC (OR = 1.02, p < 0.001, 95% C.I.: 1.01-1.03). Moreover, an association was identified between a reduction in tumor mass and the highest tertile of plasma bacterial DNA. Our findings indicate that individuals with CRC displayed a higher plasma bacterial DNA load compared to healthy controls. This observation lends support to the theory of heightened bacterial migration from the gastrointestinal tract to the bloodstream in CRC. Furthermore, our results establish a link between this phenomenon and the size of the tumor mass.

Microbiota revolution: How gut microbes regulate our lives

The human intestine is a natural environment ecosystem of a complex of diversified and dynamic microorganisms, determined through a process of competition and natural selection during life. Those intestinal microorganisms called microbiota and are involved in a variety of mechanisms of the organism, they interact with the host and therefore are in contact with the organs of the various systems. However, they play a crucial role in maintaining host homeostasis, also influencing its behaviour. Thus, microorganisms perform a series of biological functions important for human well-being. The host provides the microorganisms with the environment and nutrients, simultaneously drawing many benefits such as their contribution to metabolic, trophic, immunological, and other functions. For these reasons it has been reported that its quantitative and qualitative composition can play a protective or harmful role on the host health. Therefore, a dysbiosis can lead to an association of unfavourable factors which lead to a dysregulation of the physiological processes of homeostasis. Thus, it has pre-viously noted that the gut microbiota can participate in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, chronic intestinal inflammation, diabetes mellitus, obesity and atherosclerosis, neurological disorders (e.g., neurological diseases, autism, etc.) colorectal cancer, and more.

Bile Acids, Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction, and Related Diseases

The intestinal barrier is a precisely regulated semi-permeable physiological structure that absorbs nutrients and protects the internal environment from infiltration of pathological molecules and microorganisms. Bile acids are small molecules synthesized from cholesterol in the liver, secreted into the duodenum, and transformed to secondary or tertiary bile acids by the gut microbiota. Bile acids interact with bile acid receptors (BARs) or gut microbiota, which plays a key role in maintaining the homeostasis of the intestinal barrier. In this review, we summarize and discuss the recent studies on bile acid disorder associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction and related diseases. We focus on the roles of bile acids, BARs, and gut microbiota in triggering intestinal barrier dysfunction. Insights for the future prevention and treatment of intestinal barrier dysfunction and related diseases are provided.

Does postcholecystectomy increase the risk of colorectal cancer?

With the increasing number of cholecystectomy and the high proportion of colorectal cancer in malignant tumors, the question of whether cholecystectomy is a risk factor for colorectal disease has been widely concerned. After reviewing the literature at home and abroad, the authors will summarize the research progress of the correlation between the occurrence of colorectal tumors after cholecystectomy, in order to provide help for the prevention and treatment of colorectal tumors.