| Theme |
Impacts of intestinal microbiota |
| Title |
Colorectal cancer and microbiota |
| Author |
Taeko Dohi |
Department of Gastroenterology, Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
A correlation between dietary factors and colorectal cancer has been established. Animal-based diets increase the risk of colorectal cancer and plantbased diets decrease them. This relationship is mediated by the gut microbiota. Bacterial components and their metabolites change host immunity and metabolic conditions. They also affect signaling systems in the colon epithelial cells, resulting in altered gene expression and function in terms of mutations and epigenetic changes. All these factors are involved in colonic carcinogenesis. Furthermore, colonocyte turnover rates depend on the presence of commensal lactic acid bacteria and their metabolites of dietary fibers, which synchronize with fastingrefeeding cycles. Dietary intervention for healthy microbiota is to be established for the prevention of colorectal cancer. |