The little but "powerful" probiotics against colon cancer: results from laboratory and human studies

Colon cancer (Colon Ca) is a type of cancer that has great morbidity and mortality rate in western countries. Although the molecular and genetical basis of colorectal cancer is well established, environmental factors are still under research. Diet seems to be a major contributor to colon Ca, associated with the balance of colonic microflora. Probiotics, live microorganisms usually found in dairy fragment cultures, are in the scope of current research as general anti-mutagenic agents in gastrointestinal diseases including colon Ca. Laboratory animal studies have shown that two species, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria have anti-mutagenic properties in colorectal cancer. However no direct evidence from dietary intervention or epidemiological studies exists that correlates diet and nutrition as contributors to colon Ca. Nevertheless research is still going on to throw light on the precise mechanisms (immune reinforcement, antimutagenic properties, alteration of metabolic and physicochemical conditions) that probiotics act as anti-mutagenic agents in colon Ca