Review
Immunology
Xinxin Hou, Zongmei Zheng, Jiao Wei, Ling Zhao
Summary: There is a relationship between gut microbial dysbiosis and colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and progression, as well as with the host immune system. Understanding this interaction can lead to the development of microbiota-based immunotherapy strategies for CRC.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Davide Serrano, Chiara Pozzi, Silvia Guglietta, Bruno Fosso, Mariano Suppa, Patrizia Gnagnarella, Federica Corso, Federica Bellerba, Debora Macis, Valentina Aristarco, Paolo Manghi, Nicola Segata, Cristina Trovato, Maria Giulia Zampino, Marinella Marzano, Bernardo Bonanni, Maria Rescigno, Sara Gandini
Summary: This study suggests that microbiome mediates the diet effect on CRC risk, with high levels of Bifidobacteria/Escherichia genera ratio playing a significant role in reducing the risk of CRC. Other factors to consider include vitamin D, markers of inflammation, and adipokines in order to better understand the carcinogenic process as a whole.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jingjing Liu, Wei Dong, Jian Zhao, Jing Wu, Jinqiang Xia, Shaofei Xie, Xiaofeng Song
Summary: Through statistical analysis and correlation analysis, the study found that the intestinal flora of mice with colorectal inflammation or colorectal cancer significantly changed compared with healthy mice, with Muribaculaceae and Bacteroidaceae showing strong excluding interactions. The functional changes of the gut microbiota include the up-regulation of the cancers pathway and the down-regulation of the replication and repair pathways.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Miguel Silva, Valentina Brunner, Markus Tschurtschenthaler
Summary: Colorectal cancer is a complex condition caused by a combination of environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors, with disruptions in gut microbiota structure associated with various intestinal diseases, including cancer. Bacteria can induce cellular transformation and promote tumor progression through mechanisms such as biofilm formation and genotoxin secretion. The gut microbiota is also involved in drug metabolism, radiotherapy responses, and targeted immunotherapy, with therapy efficacy varying based on the composition of the host's gut microbiota.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Zongmei Zheng, Xinxin Hou, Zhaoxiang Bian, Wei Jia, Ling Zhao
Summary: This review explores the crucial role of gut microbiota in the metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and elucidates the molecular mechanisms through which gut microbiota contribute to the formation of a tumor-permissive microenvironment, as well as facilitate malignant transformation and dissemination of tumor cells, thus mediating CRC metastasis.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Seung Yun Lee, Da Young Lee, Ji Hyeop Kang, Jae Hyeon Kim, Jae Won Jeong, Hyun Woo Kim, Dong Hoon Oh, Seung Hyeon Yoon, Sun Jin Hur
Summary: This article highlights the effects of meat intake and fermented foods on gut microbiota and their role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). The gut microbiota can influence CRC through various mechanisms, including toxin secretion, activation of carcinogenic enzymes, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Additionally, the composition of gut microbiota plays a role in antioxidant activities, antimicrobial effects, and inhibition of pathogen colonization.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Zikai Wang, Wanyue Dan, Nana Zhang, Jingyuan Fang, Yunsheng Yang
Summary: Colorectal cancer is on the rise in China, possibly due to economic development, lifestyle changes, and dietary habits. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development of colorectal cancer, with dysbiosis, specific pathogenic microbes, metabolites, virulence factors, and microbial carcinogenic mechanisms all contributing to its initiation and progression. Gut microbiota biomarkers have potential applications in screening and diagnosing colorectal cancer, while interventions targeting the gut microbiota could improve treatment efficacy and reduce intestinal toxic effects. Chinese researchers have made significant progress in understanding the role of gut microbiota in colorectal cancer, but further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop novel therapeutic and preventive strategies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ran Wei, Zhucheng Su, Gerardo G. Mackenzie
Summary: This study evaluated the gut protecting effect of CGA and EGCG, major constituents of coffee and green tea, on d-galactose-induced aging mice. CGA plus EGCG improved cognition deficits and protected gut barrier function more effectively compared to the agents alone. Additionally, CGA and EGCG modulated the gut microbiome and reduced gut inflammation.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Junling Yan, Wenting Duan, Qinhan Gao, Tianxiao Mao, Majie Wang, Jialin Duan, Jiankang Li
Summary: In our previous study, we identified ENPP2 as a significant differential metabolite of colorectal cancer (CRC) and demonstrated its role in CRC using in vitro and in vivo models. Using ENPP2 gene knockdown and ENPP2 inhibitor, GLPG1690, we found that CRC proliferation was decreased. GLPG1690 also showed potential in restoring gut-barrier function and attenuating colonic inflammation in AOM/DSS-induced CRC mice. Additionally, GLPG1690 alleviated gut dysbiosis and its efficacy was closely linked to the gut microbiota composition. These findings highlight the potential of ENPP2 inhibitors for CRC treatment.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giandomenico Roviello, Luigi Francesco Iannone, Melissa Bersanelli, Enrico Mini, Martina Catalano
Summary: Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, but reliable biomarkers for predicting treatment response are still unknown. Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiota may play a role in modulating the efficacy and toxicity of immunotherapy drugs.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Murdaca, Alessandra Gerosa, Francesca Paladin, Lorena Petrocchi, Sara Banchero, Sebastiano Gangemi
Summary: The importance of both the microbiome and vitamin D in health and disease is increasingly recognized. Microbiome studies have shown unique patterns in autoimmune diseases and dysbiosis is associated with allergies. Vitamin D deficiency affects the microbiome and immune system, highlighting the need for further research in allergic diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yan Wang, Hui Li
Summary: The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development of colorectal cancer, and various strategies have been developed to modify the microbiota. However, the potential implications and long-term effects of these strategies in clinical settings need to be evaluated.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Ran Meng, Minmin Zeng, Ying Ji, Xinxiang Huang, Min Xu
Summary: This article reviews the potential role and clinical application of gut microbiota outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as the advantages and challenges in tumor therapy.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Hao Yu, Xing-Xiu Li, Xing Han, Bin-Xin Chen, Xing-Hua Zhang, Shan Gao, Dan-Qi Xu, Yao Wang, Zhan-Kui Gao, Lei Yu, Song-Ling Zhu, Li-Chen Yao, Gui-Rong Liu, Shu-Lin Liu, Xiao-Qin Mu
Summary: Many lines of evidence suggest that maintaining the homeostasis of microbiota and host might be beneficial to colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This study established a CRC mouse model of microbial dysbiosis and found that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could effectively reverse the disordered gut microbiota of CRC mice. FMT also suppressed cancer progression, reduced excessive intestinal inflammation, and promoted anti-cancer immune responses. Furthermore, FMT regulated the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and cancer-related genes, which contributed to its anti-cancer efficacy.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ningyue Liu, Siwei Zou, Conghua Xie, Yan Meng, Xiaojuan Xu
Summary: In this study, fractions of beta-glucan with different molecular weights were isolated from Lentinus edodes and used for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The beta-glucan fractions inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and reduced inflammation in vitro. In an in vivo mouse model, the lower-molecular weight beta-glucan fraction showed stronger anti-inflammatory and anti-colon cancer activities by regulating gut microbiota and reconstructing intestinal barrier.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ilaria Trestini, Alberto Caldart, Marco Cintoni, Isabella Sperduti, Alessandro Drudi, Gregorio Aluffi, Elena Fiorio, Veronica Parolin, Valentina Zambonin, Sara Zanelli, Daniela Tregnago, Alice Avancini, Sara Pilotto, Irene Aprili, Emanuela Zandona, Mirko D'Onofrio, Maria Cristina Mele, Antonio Gasbarrini, Giovanni Scambia, Giampaolo Tortora, Michele Milella, Emilio Bria, Luisa Carbognin
Summary: This study evaluated the changes in body composition during neoadjuvant chemotherapy and its association with pathologic complete response and survival outcome in patients treated for operable locally advanced breast cancer.
Review
Microbiology
Serena Porcari, Nicolas Benech, Mireia Valles-Colomer, Nicola Segata, Antonio Gasbarrini, Giovanni Cammarota, Harry Sokol, Gianluca Ianiro
Summary: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown promising results in preventing recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection, but its success in other diseases is limited. Factors influencing FMT success include donor and recipient-related factors, working protocols, and the degree of donor microbial engraftment. The use of advanced technologies for microbiome assessment and changes in the current vision of fecal transplants are expected to improve FMT outcomes. This review highlights key determinants of FMT success and strategies for integrating lab-based and clinical approaches.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Alberto Nicoletti, Maria Elena Ainora, Marco Cintoni, Matteo Garcovich, Barbara Funaro, Silvia Pecere, Martina De Siena, Francesco Santopaolo, Francesca Romana Ponziani, Laura Riccardi, Antonio Grieco, Maurizio Pompili, Antonio Gasbarrini, Maria Assunta Zocco
Summary: This study evaluated the changes in liver stiffness (LS) in HCV cirrhotic patients undergoing DAA therapy and identified parameters that predict the occurrence of liver-related events. The results showed that LS changes and MELD score were associated with HCC risk, while a one-year Delta-LS < 20% was associated with the development of ascites.
DIGESTIVE AND LIVER DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lucrezia Laterza, Marco Napoli, Valentina Petito, Franco Scaldaferri, Eleonora Gaetani, Antonio Gasbarrini
Summary: This study evaluated the adherence to probiotic therapy in real-life and identified factors that influenced adherence. It found that 60% of patients took all the prescribed probiotic therapy and perceived benefits in more than 60% of cases. The main factors affecting adherence were the price of the product, mild adverse events, and poor appreciation of flavor.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Emanuele Rinninella, Raffaele Borriello, Marco D'Angelo, Tiziano Galasso, Marco Cintoni, Pauline Raoul, Michele Impagnatiello, Brigida Eleonora Annicchiarico, Antonio Gasbarrini, Maria Cristina Mele
Summary: Hospital malnutrition affects a significant portion of patients, and early assessment using the CONUT score can help predict hospital outcomes. This study aimed to determine the predictive role of the CONUT score in an Italian hospital, finding that CONUT was a reliable predictor of length of stay and in-hospital mortality.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
William Fusco, Manuel Bernabeu Lorenzo, Marco Cintoni, Serena Porcari, Emanuele Rinninella, Francesco Kaitsas, Elena Lener, Maria Cristina Mele, Antonio Gasbarrini, Maria Carmen Collado, Giovanni Cammarota, Gianluca Ianiro
Summary: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are crucial for gut health and have implications in various diseases. They are produced by specific bacterial taxa in the gut microbiota and can be influenced by specific foods or supplements. This review provides an overview of SCFAs, their production by bacteria, and potential therapeutic approaches to boost their levels and treat related diseases.
Review
Oncology
Irene Mignini, Maria Elena Ainora, Silvino Di Francesco, Linda Galasso, Antonio Gasbarrini, Maria Assunta Zocco
Summary: The role of gut microbiota and environmental factors in IBD-related CRC is still a burning question. The imbalance in gut microbiota composition, known as dysbiosis, can promote inflammation and tumorigenesis through complex pathways involving host genetics and environmental factors. The interactions between gut microbiota and the environment in tumorigenesis have mostly been studied in animal and in vitro models, and further research on humans is needed for clinical application of the collected data.
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Pauline Raoul, Marco Cintoni, Emanuele Rinninella, Maria Cristina Mele
Review
Infectious Diseases
Marcello Fiorani, Ege Tohumcu, Livio Enrico Del Vecchio, Serena Porcari, Giovanni Cammarota, Antonio Gasbarrini, Gianluca Ianiro
Summary: Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that colonizes the human stomach and is associated with various gastric and extra-gastric disorders. Colonization of H. pylori affects the gastric microenvironment and gastrointestinal microbiota by regulating factors such as acidity, immune responses, antimicrobial peptides, and virulence factors. Eradication therapies for H. pylori can negatively impact the gut microbiota, but integrating probiotics into the treatment has been shown to mitigate these effects and improve eradication rates and patient compliance. This article provides an overview of the complex interaction between H. pylori and the gastrointestinal microbiota, emphasizing the consequences of eradication therapies and the benefits of probiotic supplementation.
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Marco Biolato, Margherita Saracco, Anna Petti, Bruna Lavezzo, Alfonso Wolfango Avolio, Silvia Martini
LIVER TRANSPLANTATION
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Laura Soldovieri, Gianfranco Di Giuseppe, Gea Ciccarelli, Giuseppe Quero, Francesca Cinti, Michela Brunetti, Enrico C. Nista, Antonio Gasbarrini, Sergio Alfieri, Alfredo Pontecorvi, Andrea Giaccari, Teresa Mezza
Summary: In the past few decades, various approaches have been explored to restore sufficient β-cell mass in diabetic patients. Stem cells are an attractive source of new β-cells, while inducing endogenous regeneration is also an alternative option. This review summarizes the latest evidence on physiological and pathological conditions associated with pancreatic regeneration and proliferation, as well as the signaling cascade mediating cell growth.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Basilico, Marialaura Scarcella, Emanuele Rinninella, Nena Giostra, Stefano Marcelli, Carlo Rasetti, Jan Tack, Ludovico Abenavoli, Emidio Scarpellini
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of a standardized oral immuno-nutrition formula on COVID-19 patients. The findings showed that immuno-nutrition therapy can lower the levels of inflammatory markers, prevent the deterioration of BMI and phase angle, and prevent the development of malnutrition in overweight COVID-19 patients.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Mattia Paratore, Matteo Garcovich, Maria Elena Ainora, Livio Enrico Del Vecchio, Giuseppe Cuccia, Laura Riccardi, Maurizio Pompili, Antonio Gasbarrini, Maria Assunta Zocco
Summary: Ultrasound imaging is the preferred method for investigating abdominal symptoms and can diagnose various pathological conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. Ultrasound elastography, a recent technological advancement, allows the evaluation of tissue characteristics like neoplastic transformation or inflammation. It has been extensively used in studying liver diseases and other clinical settings, including gastrointestinal diseases. This paper summarizes the evidence of different ultrasound elastography modalities in non-liver gastrointestinal diseases.
Review
Oncology
Maria Cerreto, Ferdinando Cardone, Lucia Cerrito, Leonardo Stella, Francesco Santopaolo, Maria Pallozzi, Antonio Gasbarrini, Francesca Romana Ponziani
Summary: This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the recent innovations in systemic treatments for unresectable locally advanced and metastatic HCC, including emerging therapies, with a particular focus on treatment sequences. It addresses the problem of second- and third-line therapies and explores possible future approaches for patients who progress beyond first-line therapies.
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Lucia Cerrito, Maria Elena Ainora, Silvino Di Francesco, Linda Galasso, Antonio Gasbarrini, Maria Assunta Zocco
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common and important primary liver cancer, often associated with portal vein tumor thrombosis. Imaging evaluation, particularly contrast-enhanced ultrasound, is crucial for diagnosis and staging, enabling identification of different types of thrombosis and assisting in treatment planning and prognosis assessment.
