Promising role of probiotics in cancer prevention and treatment: An overview

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESProbiotics are live bacteria that have positive effects on health. The human body naturally contains these beneficial bacteria, particularly in the digestive tract. According to recent studies, changes in the gut microbiota can influence how certain cancer types start and progress. Scientists are now looking at probiotics' possible function in preventing cancer as a result of this. Probiotics' function in supporting gut health and their potential to reduce the risk of cancer will be covered in this review. We discuss the most recent research and examine the probiotics that have been researched in connection to cancer.Probiotics work in the treatment and prevention of cancer through various multifaceted methods. They involve making anti-cancer chemicals, enhancing the immune response, preventing the proliferation of cancer cells, and promoting the health and differentiation of healthy cells. According to research, increased natural killer cells, which are essential for destroying malignant cells, have been found to be stimulated by probiotics. They can also control inflammation and support a balanced gut flora, which can reduce the risk of chronic inflammation, which is a major factor in the development of cancer.Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are two common probiotic species. Each species has several strains, and each species can offer specific health benefits. For example, Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus show promise in preventing the spread of colon cancer cells. These probiotics improve digestion, boost the immune system, and improve overall health by rebuilding and regulating gut bacteria. Because probiotics increase the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and strengthen the intestinal barrier, they can reduce the side effects of conventional cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy and improve overall gut health during cancer treatment. Probiotics' possible role in cancer prevention has been the subject of several investigations. These investigations seek to determine the possible preventive mechanisms probiotics may use as well as the degree to which they might lower cancer risk. Early studies have produced positive results, but additional research is required to completely comprehend the mechanisms underpinning probiotics' capacity to prevent cancer.MATERIALS AND METHODSA thorough search using the terms "probiotics," "anticancer activity," "gut microbiota," "microbiome," and "inflammation" was performed in databases including Google Scholar, Medline, and PubMed. This study was developed after a thorough analysis of relevant English-language articles and review articles. First, articles on the gut microbiota and its relationship to cancer were evaluated, followed by articles on new research to develop effective treatments.RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONProbiotics are expected to provide a solution to the problems associated with cancer treatment and become an important component of cancer management and prevention in the near future. The properties of probiotics open the way for several useful applications in cancer prevention techniques. Probiotics can also reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and surgery when administered together. In addition, probiotics can make chemotherapy drugs more effective. Another successful and promising approach that uses probiotics is targeted drug delivery.CONCLUSIONThe properties of probiotics make them effective in the treatment and prevention of cancer. As an innovative and safe approach to cancer treatment, food supplements can provide a new approach to reducing the incidence of cancer and improving the patient's quality of life. Although more research is still needed, probiotics can be helpful. Better reporting of clinical trial results and adverse events is needed to increase the accuracy and validity of findings in subsequent updates.

کلیدواژه ها:

Probiotics ، inflammation ، intestinal microbiota ، Anticancer activity