Abstract
The influence of the naturally occurring population of microbes on various human diseases has been a topic of much recent interest. Not surprisingly, continuously growing attention is devoted to the existence of a gut brain axis, where the microbiota present in the gut can affect the nervous system through the release of metabolites, stimulation of the immune system, changing the permeability of the blood–brain barrier or activating the vagus nerves. Many of the methods that stimulate the nervous system can also lead to the development of cancer by manipulating pathways associated with the hallmarks of cancer. Moreover, neurogenesis or the creation of new nervous tissue, is associated with the development and progression of cancer in a similar manner as the blood and lymphatic systems. Finally, microbes can secrete neurotransmitters, which can stimulate cancer growth and development. In this review we discuss the latest evidence that support the importance of microbiota and peripheral nerves in cancer development and dissemination.
Highlights
Based on studies initially performed on the role played by altered gut microbiomes in prostate cancer, it was established that certain pathogenic gut bacteria are able to trigger an immune inflammatory response (Table 1), which promotes the development of prostate cancer [61]
Anti-cancer effects initiated by the immune response involving the microbiota, include the response initiated by the intestinal bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium
The concept of the microbiome affecting the development and progression of cancer through interactions involving nerves, neurotransmitters, the immune system, and metabolites secreted by microorganisms (Figure 6) is most clearly seen in the example of the gut brain axis
Summary
The use of microbe metabolites, supplementing the diets with probiotics or by faecal transfers is being explored to treat cancers This new treatment strategy is the result of growing evidence that the microbiota can play an important role in cancer development and progression [6,7]. The fact that the microbiome is able to interact with the nervous system and the fact that changes in the microbiota can promote the development of cancer or help prevent or treat cancer, has led to the suggestion that these pathways may be mechanistically connected. Their interaction can be facilitated through the effects of the microbiome on the immune system [10]. This review will discuss the role that the microbiome plays in the development and progression of various cancers, through the effect of the microbiota on the nervous system
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