title: Review of the mechanisms of probiotic actions in the prevention of colorectal cancer.
abstract: The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential mechanisms of probiotics action in colorectal cancer prevention. In this regard, the composition of the intestinal microbiota is considered as an important risk factor in the development of colorectal cancer, and probiotics are able to positively modulate the composition of this microbiota. Studies have shown that the regular consumption of probiotics could prevent the development of colorectal cancer. In this respect, in vitro and experimental studies suggest some potential mechanisms responsible for this anticarcinogenic action. The mechanisms include modification of the intestinal microbiota composition, changes in metabolic activity of the microbiota, binding and degradation of carcinogenic compounds present in the intestinal lumen, production of compounds with anticarcinogenic activity, immunomodulation, improvement of the intestinal barrier, changes in host physiology, inhibition of cell proliferation, and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. In contrast, very few reports demonstrate adverse effects of probiotic oral supplementation. In light of the present evidence, more specific studies are needed on probiotic bacteria, especially regarding the identification of the bacterial strains with greater anticarcinogenic potential; the verification of the viability of these strains after passing through the gastrointestinal tract; the investigation of potential adverse effects in immunocompromised individuals; and finally establishing the dosage and frequency of use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil. Electronic address: sandraadosreis@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Sandra A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Dos Reis
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil. Electronic address: lisianelopes@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: Lisiane L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: da Conceição
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil. Electronic address: nathane.siqueira@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Nathane P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Siqueira
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil. Electronic address: ddinizrosa@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Damiana D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Rosa
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil. Electronic address: leticia.linhares@ufv.br.
authors.forename: Letícia L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil. Electronic address: mcpeluzio@ufv.br.
authors.forename: Maria do Carmo G
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Peluzio
mesh_terms: D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000069196:Gastrointestinal Microbiome; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use
keywords: Anticarcinogenic activity; Colorectal cancer; Health; Intestinal microbiota; Probiotics