Probiotics as Anti-Tumor Agents: Insights from Female Tumor Cell Culture Studies Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal cancers affecting women worldwide. Known for its "silent" progression, this disease often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages, making early diagnosis crucial for improving survival outcomes. With a variety of subtypes, ovarian cancer presents unique challenges in both treatment and prevention. Recent advancements in research are shining a light on the importance of the microbiome, particularly how microbial imbalances in the gut and vaginal microbiota can influence cancer progression. Repurposed drugs such as metformin and innovative interventions like probiotics, microbiota transplantation, and intratumoral microbiota therapies offer promising new avenues for improving ovarian cancer treatment.
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Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Traditionally linked to genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, emerging evidence highlights the microbiome as a critical and underappreciated factor influencing breast cancer progression, immune response, and treatment outcomes.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study explores the effects of probiotics as potential anti-tumor agents in two female cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative breast cancer) and OVCAR-3 (ovarian adenocarcinoma). Researchers tested several probiotic strains, including Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, and Bifidobacterium lactis, assessing their impact on cancer cell proliferation, migration, and protein expression related to the cell cycle and apoptosis.
Who was studied?
The study focused on two human cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-231, representing triple-negative breast cancer, and OVCAR-3, an ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line. These cell lines were chosen due to their relevance in aggressive forms of cancer, which are often characterized by high proliferation rates and metastatic potential. Probiotic strains were applied in vitro to test their anti-tumor effects.
Most important findings
The study demonstrated that probiotic lysates significantly reduced the proliferation of both cancer cell lines. Specifically, the Lactobacillus strains (E and F) showed the most promising anti-proliferative effects, with a reduction of up to 70% in cell proliferation. Western blot analysis revealed key molecular changes: an increase in phosphorylated p53 (a tumor suppressor protein) in the OVCAR-3 cells, suggesting a potential induction of apoptosis. Additionally, there was a notable decrease in proteins associated with cancer cell survival and migration, including cyclin D1 (critical for cell cycle progression), p-ERK1 (involved in survival signaling), and RhoA (linked to cell migration). The probiotic treatment reduced cell migration, particularly in the OVCAR-3 cells, without affecting non-cancerous cells, highlighting a degree of specificity for tumor cells.
| Probiotic Strain | Actions |
|---|---|
| Streptococcus thermophilus | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic |
| Lactobacillus delbrueckii | Inhibits colitis-associated cancer development |
| Bifidobacterium lactis | Supports intestinal barrier function, anti-cancer |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | Anticarcinogenic, immune stimulation |
| Lactobacillus rhamnosus | Anti-colon cancer, modulates gut microbiota |
| Lactobacillus casei | Immune system stimulation, anticarcinogenic |
Key implications
The findings suggest that certain probiotic strains may offer new adjunctive therapies for cancer treatment, specifically in breast and ovarian cancers. Their ability to reduce tumor cell proliferation, promote cell death, and inhibit migration could complement existing treatments, potentially improving patient outcomes. However, further studies are needed, especially in vivo, to explore the full potential and safety of probiotics as cancer therapies. The specificity of probiotics for tumor cells without harming healthy cells is a critical factor for their future clinical use.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.
Breast Cancer
Traditionally linked to genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, emerging evidence highlights the microbiome as a critical and underappreciated factor influencing breast cancer progression, immune response, and treatment outcomes.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal cancers affecting women worldwide. Known for its "silent" progression, this disease often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages, making early diagnosis crucial for improving survival outcomes. With a variety of subtypes, ovarian cancer presents unique challenges in both treatment and prevention. Recent advancements in research are shining a light on the importance of the microbiome, particularly how microbial imbalances in the gut and vaginal microbiota can influence cancer progression. Repurposed drugs such as metformin and innovative interventions like probiotics, microbiota transplantation, and intratumoral microbiota therapies offer promising new avenues for improving ovarian cancer treatment.