Posted on 10/16/2024 8:23:27 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Cutting-edge research has uncovered how chronic stress disrupts the balance of gut microbiota to speed up the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), opening new avenues for CRC prevention and treatment.
By eliminating certain gut bacteria and inducing stress, researchers were able to conclude a relationship between stress and gut microbiota in the progression of CRC, identifying a particular bacterial species as a potential therapeutic target.
The findings showed chronic stress not only increased tumor growth but also reduced beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus genus, which are essential for a healthy immune response against cancer.
Dr. Li noted, "Stress-related CRC progression can be attributed to a reduction in beneficial gut bacteria, as this weakens the body's immune response against cancer."
To further explore how Lactobacillus influences CD8+ T cell levels—which play a crucial role in the body's anti-tumor immunity—and CRC progression, the researchers supplemented mice with Lactobacillus during chronic stress and observed reduced tumor formation.
Dr. Li stated, "Through fecal analysis, we found that Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) specifically regulated bile acid metabolism and enhanced the function of CD8+ T cells. This indicates how Lactobacillus may enhance anti-tumor immunity."
The potential for Lactobacillus-based therapies in treating patients, particularly those affected by chronic stress, is promising. "Combining traditional anti-tumor drugs with L. plantarum supplementation could be a viable therapeutic strategy for patients with stress-related CRC," Dr. Li said.
"Restoring beneficial bacteria in the gut, such as Lactobacillus, could strengthen the body's natural defenses against colorectal cancer," concluded Dr. Li.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
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I drink one small glass of strawberry kefir every day. Easy Peasy. Keeps your guts in great shape.
p i n g
I like strawberry kefir also but I wonder how often you really need to consume it.
On a personal note, I believe that chronic stress triggers or accelerates breast cancer. Probably a zillion other illnesses, too.
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