The probiotic Companilactobacillus crustorum MN047 alleviates colitis-associated tumorigenesis via modulating the intestinal microenvironment

Functional Effects of Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in Alleviation Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli-Associated Colitis in BALB/c Mice Model

Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (MDR-E. coli) is a global health concern. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are important probiotics that have beneficial effects on health, and in recent years, their influences in preventing foodborne pathogens-induced colitis have attracted much attention. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the oral administration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NWAFU-BIO-BS29 as an emerging approach to alleviate MDR-E. coli-induced colitis in BALB/c mice model. To illustrate the mode of action of NWAFU-BIO-BS29 interventions with the gut microbiota and immune responses, the changes on the colonic mucosal barrier, regulatory of the gene expressions of inflammatory cytokines, re-modulating the intestinal microflora, and changes in physiological parameters were studied. The results indicated that daily supplementation of 200 µL fresh bacteria for 7 days had ameliorated the associated colitis and partially prevented the infection. The modes of action by ameliorating the inflammatory response, which destructed villous and then affected the intestinal barrier integrity, reducing the secretion of interleukins (6 and β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in serum by 87.88-89.93%, 30.73-35.98%, and 19.14-22.32%, respectively, enhancing the expressions of some epithelial integrity-related proteins in the mouse mucous layer of mucins 2 and 3, Claudin-1, and Occludin by 130.00-661.85%, 27.64-57.35%, 75.52-162.51%, and 139.36-177.73%, respectively, and 56.09-73.58% for toll-like receptor (TLR4) in colon tissues. Notably, the mouse gut microbiota analysis showed an increase in the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Bacteriodales bacterium, Candidatus Saccharimonas, Enterorhabdus, and Bacilli. Furthermore, the probiotic promoted the proliferation of epithelia and goblet cells by increasing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels by 19.23-31.39%. In conclusion, L. plantarum NWAFU-BIO-BS29 has potential applications and can be considered a safe dietary supplement to ameliorate the colitis inflammation symptoms of MDR-E. coli infection.

Transformation of colitis and colorectal cancer: a tale of gut microbiota

Intestinal inflammation modifies host physiology to promote the occurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC), as seen in colitis-associated CRC. Gut microbiota is crucial in cancer progression, primarily by inducing intestinal chronic inflammatory microenvironment, leading to DNA damage, chromosomal mutation, and alterations in specific metabolite production. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in microbiota-based prevention and treatment strategies, such as probiotics, prebiotics, microbiota-derived metabolites, and fecal microbiota transplantation. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the potential correlations between gut microbiota and colitis-associated CRC, as well as the promising microbiota-based strategies for colitis-associated CRC.

Exploring the Role of the Gut Microbiota in Modulating Colorectal Cancer Immunity

The gut microbiota plays an essential role in maintaining immune homeostasis and influencing the immune landscape within the tumor microenvironment. This review aims to elucidate the interactions between gut microbiota and tumor immune dynamics, with a focus on colorectal cancer (CRC). The review spans foundational concepts of immuno-microbial interplay, factors influencing microbiome composition, and evidence linking gut microbiota to cancer immunotherapy outcomes. Gut microbiota modulates anti-cancer immunity through several mechanisms, including enhancement of immune surveillance and modulation of inflammatory responses. Specific microbial species and their metabolic byproducts can significantly influence the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. Furthermore, microbial diversity within the gut microbiota correlates with clinical outcomes in CRC, suggesting potential as a valuable biomarker for predicting response to immunotherapy. Conclusions: Understanding the relationship between gut microbiota and tumor immune responses offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies and biomarker development. The gut microbiota not only influences the natural history and treatment response of CRC but also serves as a critical modulator of immune homeostasis and anti-cancer activity. Further exploration into the microbiome's role could enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments and guide the development of new therapeutic modalities.

Orally Administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus CY12 Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice by Restoring the Intestinal Barrier and Inhibiting the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB Pathway via Intestinal Microbiota Modulation

Oral ingestion of probiotics is a promising approach to relieving inflammatory disease through regulating the gut microbiota. A newly discovered strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus CY12 (LCY12), obtained from cattle-yak milk, displayed numerous probiotic properties. These included enhanced viability in low pH and bile environments, adhesion capabilities, and potent antimicrobial effects. The research aimed to explore the beneficial impacts of the novel LCY12 strain on colitis in mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results of the study showed that administration of LCY12 effectively helped to reduce the negative effects of DSS-induced body weight loss, disease activity index score, colon length shortening, loss of goblet cells, and overall histopathological scores in the intestines. Simultaneously, LCY12 administration significantly alleviated intestinal inflammation and safeguarded intestinal barrier integrity by enhancing IL-10 levels, while dampening IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α production. Additionally, LCY12 boosted the presence of tight junction proteins. Furthermore, LCY12 hindered the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway by downregulating TLR4 and MyD88 expression, inactivating phosphorylated IκBα, and preventing translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. The LCY12 also increased specific intestinal microbial communities and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Altogether, LCY12 oral administration alleviated colitis induced with DSS in mice by improving intestinal barrier function and regulating inflammatory cytokines, SCFA production, and intestinal microbiota.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae SC-2201 Attenuates AOM/DSS-Induced Colorectal Cancer by Modulating the Gut Microbiome and Blocking Proinflammatory Mediators

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world today, and studies have shown that the ratio of Candida to Saccharomyces cerevisiae increased, and the abundance of S. cerevisiae in the intestines of patients with colorectal cancer decreased, which suggests that there is an imbalance in the proportion of fungi in the intestines of patients with colorectal cancer. The objective of this study was to screen S. cerevisiae isolate from traditional Chinese fermentation starters and assess its ability to ameliorate dysbiosis and to alleviate the carcinogenic process of azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate-induced colorectal cancer in mice model. S. cerevisiae strain SC-2201 was isolated and exhibited probiotic properties, including the ability to survive in an acidic pH environment and in the presence of bile salts in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as antioxidant activities. Oral administration of S. cerevisiae SC-2201 not only alleviated weight loss but also reduced colonic shortening and histological damage in azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate-induced colorectal cancer in mice. Furthermore, the administration of S. cerevisiae SC-2201 suppressed the expression of proinflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, vascular endothelial growth factor, nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3. Specifically, the analysis of gut bacteriome showed a significant decrease in Bacteroidota and Campylobacterota levels, as well as an increase in Proteobacteria level in the colorectal cancer group, which was alleviated by supplementation with S. cerevisiae SC-2201. The analysis of the mycobiome revealed a significant increase in the levels of Basidiomycota, Apiosordaria, Naganishia, and Taphrina genera in the colorectal cancer group, which were alleviated after supplementation with S. cerevisiae SC-2201. However, the levels of Xenoramularia, Entoloma, and Keissleriella were significantly increased after administration with S. cerevisiae SC-2201. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate that S. cerevisiae SC-2201 possesses potential probiotic properties and can effectively attenuate the development of colorectal cancer, highlighting its cancer-preventive potential. This is the first report of a S. cerevisiae strain isolated from traditional Chinese fermentation starters which showed good probiotic properties, and mitigated azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate-induced colorectal cancer by modulating the gut microbiome and blocking proinflammatory mediators in mice.

Lactobacillus plantarum Zhang-LL Inhibits Colitis-Related Tumorigenesis by Regulating Arachidonic Acid Metabolism and CD22-Mediated B-Cell Receptor Regulation

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant health concern and is the third most commonly diagnosed and second deadliest cancer worldwide. CRC has been steadily increasing in developing countries owing to factors such as aging and epidemics. Despite extensive research, the exact pathogenesis of CRC remains unclear, and its causes are complex and variable. Numerous in vitro, animal, and clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of probiotics such as Lactobacillus plantarum in reversing the adverse outcomes of CRC. These findings suggest that probiotics play vital roles in the prevention, adjuvant treatment, and prognosis of CRC. In this study, we constructed a mouse model of CRC using an intraperitoneal injection of azomethane combined with dextran sodium sulfate, while administering 5-fluorouracil as well as high- and low-doses of L. plantarum Zhang-LL live or heat-killed strains. Weight changes and disease activity indices were recorded during feeding, and the number of polyps and colon length were measured after euthanasia. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the colons of mice, and ELISA was used to detect the expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in serum. To investigate the specific mechanisms involved in alleviating CRC progression, gut microbial alterations were investigated using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics, and changes in genes related to CRC were assessed using eukaryotic transcriptomics. The results showed that both viable and heat-killed strains of L. plantarum Zhang-LL in high doses significantly inhibited tumorigenesis, colon shortening, adverse inflammatory reactions, intestinal tissue damage, and pro-inflammatory factor expression upregulation. Specifically, in the gut microbiota, the abundance of the dominant flora Acutalibacter muris and Lactobacillus johnsonii was regulated, PGE2 expression was significantly reduced, the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway was inhibited, and CD22-mediated B-cell receptor regulation-related gene expression was upregulated. This study showed that L. plantarum Zhang-LL live or heat-inactivated strains alleviated CRC progression by reducing the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria, increasing the abundance of beneficial commensal bacteria, mediating the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway, and improving host immunogenicity.

Effect of probiotics intake on constipation in children: an umbrella review

Based on existing systematic reviews and meta-analyse we conducted this comprehensive review to evaluate the quality, effectiveness, and bias of evidence regarding the relationship between probiotic intake and improved constipation outcomes in children. A total of nine meta-analyses and systematic reviews were extracted from 628 articles, summarizing seven effectiveness indicators and the incidence of adverse reactions in the treatment of constipation. According to the results, our study revealed that the intake of probiotics in children with FC significantly improved treatment success rate and defecation frequency, while decreased the recurrence rate of constipation. However, no significant association was detected between probiotics intake and frequency of abdominal pain, stool consistency, frequency of defecation pain, frequency of fecal incontinence of children with FC. The intake of probiotics did not increase the incidence of adverse reactions and demonstrated good safety.

Protective effect of plantaricin bio-LP1 bacteriocin on multidrug-resistance Escherichia Coli infection by alleviate the inflammation and modulate of gut-microbiota in BALB/c mice model

The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens with the low efficacy of common antibiotics for humans and animals in its clinical therapeutics are a global health concern. Therefore, there is a need to develop new treatment strategies to control them clinically. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Plantaricin Bio-LP1 bacteriocin produced from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NWAFU-BIO-BS29 to alleviate the inflammation caused by multidrug-resistance Escherichia Coli (MDR-E. coli) infection in BALB/c mice-model. The focus was given on aspects linked to the mechanism of the immune response. Results indicated that Bio-LP1 had highly promising effects on partially ameliorating MDR-E. coli infection by reducing the inflammatory response through inhibiting the overexpression of proinflammatory-cytokines such as secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL-6 and IL-β) and strongly regulated theTLR4 signaling-pathway. Additionally, avoided the villous destruct, colon length shortening, loss of intestinal barrier integrity, and increased disease activity index. Furthermore, significantly increased the relative abundance of beneficial-intestinal-bacteria including Ligilactobacillus, Enterorhabdus, Pervotellaceae, etc. Finally, improved the intestinal mucosal barrier to alleviate the pathological damages and promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) a source of energy for the proliferation. In conclusion, plantaricin Bio-LP1 bacteriocin can be considered a safe alternative to antibiotics against MDR-E. coli-induced intestinal inflammation.

Intake of Pro- and/or Prebiotics as a Promising Approach for Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer, posing a serious threat to human life. It is widely believed that dietary factors may be crucial modifiers of CRC risk, with pro-and/or prebiotics being especially promising. In this review, a synthesis of CRC prevention and treatment of strategies relying on usage of pro- and/or prebiotics supplements is given, as well as discuss mechanisms underlying the contribution of pro-and/or prebiotics to the suppression of colonic carcinogenesis. Furthermore, a framework for personalizing such supplements according to the composition of an individual's gut microbiome is suggested. Various factors including diversity of one's intestinal microflora, integrity of their intestinal barrier, and the presence of mutagenic/carcinogenic/genotoxic and beneficial compounds are known to have a prominent influence on the development of CRC; thus, clarifying the role of pro- and/or prebiotics will yield valuable insight toward optimizing interventions for enhanced patient outcomes in the future.

Probiotic of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NWAFU-BIO-BS29 Isolated from Chinese Traditional Fermented Milk and Its Potential Therapeutic Applications Based on Gut Microbiota Regulation

Lactic acid bacteria are one of the bioresources that can promote the host's health and have potential therapeutic applications. This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic properties of novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NWAFU-BISO-BS29 isolated in vitro from traditional Chinese fermented milk, assess its safety, and study its interaction with the gut microbiota using a BALB/c mouse model. The findings reveal that this strain had a high tolerance to gastric acidity (64.4%) and bile salts (19.83-87.92%) with remarkable auto-aggregation and co-aggregation abilities (33.01-83.96%), respectively. Furthermore, it lowered the cholesterol levels in dead cells (44.02%) and live cells (34.95%) and produced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Likewise, it showed good antioxidant properties and strong antipathogen activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zones at 21 and 25 mm, respectively. The safety assessment results indicate that all of the virulence factor genes were not detected in the whole DNA; additionally, no hemolysis or resistance to antibiotics commonly used in food and feed was observed. Interestingly, the 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the mouse gut microbiota showed a marked alteration in the microbial composition of the administrated group, with a noticeable increase in Firmicutes, Patescibacteria, Campylobacterota, Deferribacterota, Proteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria at the phylum level. The modulation of gut microbial diversity significantly improved the production of SCFCs due to the abundance of lactobacillus genera, which was consistent with the functional gene predictive analysis and is believed to have health-promoting properties. Based on these results, our novel strain is considered a safe and good probiotic and could hold high potential to be used as a starter culture or to safely supplement functional foods as a probiotic and may provide new insights into therapeutic interventions.

Prospect of bacteria for tumor diagnosis and treatment

In recent decades, the comprehensive cancer treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have improved the overall survival rate and quality of life of many cancer patients. However, we are still facing many difficult problems in the cancer treatment, such as unpredictable side effects, high recurrence rate, and poor curative effect. Therefore, the better intervention strategies are needed in this field. In recent years, the role and importance of microbiota in a variety of diseases were focused on as a hot research topic, and the role of some intracellular bacteria of cancer cells in carcinogenesis has recently been discovered. The impact of bacteria on cancer is not limited to their contribution to tumorigenesis, but the overall susceptibility of bacteria to subsequent tumor progression, the development of concurrent infections, and the response to anti-cancer therapy have also been found to be affected. Concerns about the contribution of bacteria in the anti-cancer response have inspired researchers to develop bacteria-based anti-cancer treatments. In this paper, we reviewed the main roles of bacteria in the occurrence and development of tumors, and summarized the mechanism of bacteria in the occurrence, development, and clinical anti-tumor treatment of tumors, providing new insights for the in-depth study of the role of bacteria in tumor diagnosis and treatment. This review aims to provide a new perspective for the development of new technologies based on bacteria to enhance anti-tumor immunotherapy.

Role of microbes in colorectal cancer therapy: Cross-talk between the microbiome and tumor microenvironment

The human gut microbiota is associated with the development and progression of colorectal cancer, and manipulation of the gut microbiota is a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. Some bacteria have antitumor activity against colorectal cancer, where specific bacteria can improve the tumor microenvironment, activate immune cells including dendritic cells, helper T cells, natural killer cells, and cytotoxic T cells, and upregulate the secretion of pro-tumor immune cytokines such as interleukin-2 and interferon. In this paper, we summarize some bacteria with potential benefits in colorectal cancer and describe their roles in the tumor microenvironment, demonstrate the application of gut microbes in combination with immunosuppressive agents, and provide suggestions for further experimental studies and clinical practice applications.

Interaction of Companilactobacillus crustorum MN047-derived bacteriocins with gut microbiota

Companilactobacillus crustorum MN047-derived bacteriocins (CCDB) have inhibitory effects on the growth of pathogens. In this study, a pectin/zein beads delivery system was used to investigate the effects of CCDB on the dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice. The focus was given on aspects linked with the gut microbiota, intestinal epithelial barrier, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Results suggested that CCDB alleviated the pathological symptoms of colitis, including increased disease activity index and shortened colon length. CCDB strengthened the gut barrier by increasing goblet cells and promoting the expressions of MUC2 and tight junctions-related proteins. CCDB decreased oxidative mediators and increased antioxidant mediators in serum or colon tissue. Furthermore, CCDB reduced harmful bacteria and enriched beneficial bacteria, which further decreased serum LPS and increased fecal butyric acid. In addition, CCDB inhibited the overexpressions of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and pathogens/LPS-activated TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Therefore, CCDB is a potential dietary supplement to relieve colitis.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LS8 Ameliorates Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis-Associated Tumorigenesis in Mice via Regulating Gut Microbiota and Inhibiting Inflammation

Gut microbiota dysbiosis may promote the process of colorectal cancer (CRC). Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LS8 (LRL) is a potential gut microbiota regulating strain because it can produce a novel antimicrobial substance (like cycloalanopine). In addition, this probiotic had an inflammation-ameliorating effect on the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice. However, it is not known whether treatment with this probiotic could ameliorate colitis-associated CRC via regulating gut microbiota. In this study, a CRC mouse model was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane (AOM, 10 mg/kg) and followed by three 7-day cycles of 2% DSS administration. Results showed that LRL could inhibit tumor formation. Moreover, LRL enhanced the gut barrier by preventing goblet cell loss and promoting the expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1. Furthermore, LRL ameliorated gut microbiota dysbiosis, which was conducive to the growth of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Faecalibaculum and Akkermansia), and further led to an increase in SCFAs and a decrease in LPS. In addition, LRL alleviated colonic inflammation by inhibiting the overexpression of TLR4/NF-κB, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-γ, and IL-17a), and chemokines (Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Cxcl3, Cxcl5, and Cxcl7). In conclusion, LRL could alleviate CRC by regulating gut microbiota and preventing gut barrier damage and inflammation.

Current Status and Future Directions of Bacteria-Based Immunotherapy

With the in-depth understanding of the anti-cancer immunity, immunotherapy has become a promising cancer treatment after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. As natural immunogenicity substances, some bacteria can preferentially colonize and proliferate inside tumor tissues to interact with the host and exert anti-tumor effect. However, further research is hampered by the infection-associated toxicity and their unpredictable behaviors in vivo. Due to modern advances in genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and material science, modifying bacteria to minimize the toxicity and constructing a bacteria-based immunotherapy platform has become a hotspot in recent research. This review will cover the inherent advantages of unedited bacteria, highlight how bacteria can be engineered to provide greater tumor-targeting properties, enhanced immune-modulation effect, and improved safety. Successful applications of engineered bacteria in cancer immunotherapy or as part of the combination therapy are discussed as well as the bacteria based immunotherapy in different cancer types. In the end, we highlight the future directions and potential opportunities of this emerging field.

Protective Effects of Companilactobacillus crustorum MN047 against Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis: A Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Study

Gut microbiota dysbiosis could aggravate the development of ulcerative colitis (UC). Companilactobacillus crustorum MN047 (CCMN) is a potential gut microbiota-regulating probiotic that could produce multiple novel bacteriocins. In this study, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to verify whether CCMN could alleviate dextran sulfate sodium-induced UC by regulating gut microbiota. Results showed that both CCMN and FMT ameliorated the symptoms of UC, including attenuating the increased disease activity index, shortened colon length, gut barrier damage, and inflammation. Briefly, CCMN and FMT upregulated the expressions of MUCs and tight junctions, downregulated the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, increased fecal short-chain fatty acids, and lowered serum lipopolysaccharides, which were associated with the regulation of gut microbiota (e.g., increased Akkermansia, Blautia, and Ruminococcus levels). These results demonstrated that CCMN could ameliorate UC by modulating gut microbiota and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Therefore, CCMN could be considered as a potential probiotic supplement for ameliorating UC.