Exploring the Therapeutic Landscape: A Systematic Review on the Anti-inflammatory Effects of Probiotics in Colitis-associated Colorectal Cancer

Rini Suswita; Alvarino; Eryati Darwin; Jamsari

doi:10.25077/mka.v47.i3.p341-361.2024

Authors

Rini Suswita Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University
Alvarino Departemen Bedah Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Andalas, RSUP Dr. M. Djamil, Padang 25163, Indonesia
Eryati Darwin Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Jamsari Magister Program of Biotechnology School of Postgraduate, Andalas University, Padang, West Sumatra

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25077/mka.v47.i3.p341-361.2024

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer is closely linked to chronic inflammation; long-standing colitis confers a 2–3-fold higher risk. Modulating the gut–immune axis with probiotics may attenuate the inflammatory microenvironment of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). Objective:
To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics in CAC animal models. Methods: We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Wiley Online Library; 248 records were screened and 9 studies met inclusion. Risk of bias was appraised using SYRCLE RoB. Results: Probiotic treatment consistently reduced clinical severity, down-regulated inflammatory markers, and modulated key signaling pathways in CAC models. Nonetheless, evidence was heterogeneous, sample sizes were small, and dosing, strains, and formulations varied; safety reporting was limited. Conclusions: Probiotics show promise as anti-inflammatory adjuncts in CAC based on animal studies. Rigorous, standardized preclinical work and well-designed trials are needed to define optimal strains, dosing, and formulations, and to confirm efficacy and safety for translation.