Cellular and molecular mechanisms of probiotics effects on colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract and it seems the colonic microbiota plays a significant role in the aetiology of colorectal cancer because it can influence many aspects of intestinal tract health including its physiology, metabolism, development, and immune homeostasis. Hence, all factors modulating the gut microflora and their metabolism are very interesting in cancer prevention. Probiotic bacteria have been examined for anti-cancer effects and different mechanisms were suggested about their anti-tumour functions. This study reviewed some of the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of probiotics such as influencing intestinal microbial composition and pathogenic bacteria, the production of biological substance like short chain fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid, inactivation of carcinogenic compounds especially those derived from food, improvement of intestinal barrier function, modulation of immune responses, apoptosis and anti-proliferative effects and antioxidant function.