Gut microbiota in inflammation and colorectal cancer: A potential Toolbox for Clinicians

Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2024 Sep:72:101942. doi: 10.1016/j.bpg.2024.101942. Epub 2024 Jul 31.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a worldwide public health issue specifically in patients with chronic diseases associated with a western lifestyle, such as metabolic diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Interestingly, both metabolic disorders and IBD are characterized by a chronic state of inflammation that contributes to the carcinogenesis with specific alteration of the gut microbiota composition and function. Evidence now shows that this altered gut microbiota contributes fueling a chronic pro-inflammatory state in a vicious circle that can favor CRC development. In this review article, we present the current knowledge concerning the involvement of the gut microbiota as a procarcinogenic factor shared by IBD and cardiometabolic diseases, and provide clues as to how it may be used to prevent or diagnose CRC.

Keywords: Chronic inflammation; Colitis-associated cancer; Colorectal cancer; Gut microbiota; Inflammatory bowel disease; Obesity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / microbiology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / prevention & control
  • Dysbiosis / immunology
  • Dysbiosis / microbiology
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome* / immunology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / microbiology
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* / immunology
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* / microbiology