A Gut Feeling: Linking Colon Polyps to Gut Microbiome
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the US. The good news is that, when detected early, it is highly treatable. Thus, prevention is key. A new study by researchers at Mass General Brigham has linked certain types of gut bacteria to the development of precancerous colon polyps. The study seeks to understand the influence of the gut microbiome on precancerous polyps and the potential intervention opportunity to prevent the formation of colorectal cancer.
Understanding the relationship between gut microbiome and cancer
Researchers have been working to understand the relationship between the gut microbiome and cancer, and this study is trying to understand the influence of the gut microbiome on precancerous polyps.
“The hope is that by changing specific aspects of the diet or the microbiome, we can alter the natural history of these polyps,” Chung said. “Interventions to prevent polyp formation or alter their growth patterns may ultimately prevent colorectal cancer.”
Polyp development and the gut microbiome
Polyps come in different forms, but almost all colorectal cancers arise from a precancerous polyp. Two main types of polyps are tubular adenomas and sessile serrated polyps. Moreover, lifestyle factors such as being overweight or obese, low levels of physical activity, a diet high in red and processed meats, smoking, and alcohol use are risk factors affecting the bacteria that live in our intestines.
Previous smaller studies that have attempted to link the gut microbiome to polyps have not found a consistent pattern, although they did not specifically look at these two types of polyps. According to the researchers, environmental influences may promote polyp growth in two ways.
First, environmental factors could change the gut microbiome directly in a way that encourages polyp growth. Second, they might promote polyp growth, which, in turn, influences the gut microbiome by directly affecting the cells lining the intestines.
Large scale study on gut microbiome and colon polyps
To study the gut microbiome’s link to colon polyps, the researchers took data from 1,200 people who underwent routine screening colonoscopies. They collected information about their health, diet, medications, and lifestyle, and analyzed stool samples to determine the bacterial makeup of their gut microbiome. The new research is the largest study in a large collaborative research program, the GI Disease and Endoscopy Registry (GIDER) at Massachusetts General Hospital, allowing these researchers to understand gastrointestinal diseases in greater depth than ever before.
The new study is the largest of its kind and looked at differences in the gut microbial signature of people without colon polyps, with tubular adenomas, or with sessile serrated adenomas. Nineteen bacterial species were significantly different in patients with tubular adenomas than in other populations. In patients with sessile serrated adenomas, eight species were significantly different.
Limitations and next steps
According to the authors, the study population was predominantly white, limiting generalizability to other racial groups. Additionally, the study cannot establish whether the bacterial species or adenoma tissue changed first. The next step is for researchers to isolate specific species of bacteria that operate in the gut and test if the functional relationships between bacterial species and polyp growth with a laboratory model.
Takeaway
The study suggests an association between the gut microbiome and the development of colon polyps, which might lead to colorectal cancer. Changes in the gut microbiome could potentially reverse or prevent the natural history of polyps, reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. The findings provide an exciting opportunity for further research on the role of gut bacteria in colon polyps and cancer prevention.
Additional Piece: Understanding Gut Microbiome and Its Role in Health
The importance of the gut microbiome in human health cannot be overstated. The gut microbiome refers to a community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. These microorganisms consist of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in many important bodily functions, such as digestion, the immune system, and even mental health.
The trillions of microbes in the gut interact with each other and with the body in various ways. Most of the gut microbiome is harmless, and even beneficial; however, an imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to several health problems.
The Role of Gut Microbiome in Health
The gut microbiome has a profound effect on human health, and even on a person’s behavior and mood. The gut communicates with the brain through the ‘gut-brain axis, and it is responsible for many health functions, including:
– Digestion and nutrient absorption: The gut microbiome helps break down food, extract nutrients, and eliminate waste.
– Immune function: The gut microbiome communicates with the immune system, playing a vital role in fighting off harmful microbes and infections.
– Brain function: The gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters that affect mood, such as serotonin and dopamine.
– Metabolic functions: The gut microbiome helps regulate metabolism and energy levels in the body.
The Role of Diet in The Gut Microbiome
Diet plays an integral role in shaping the gut microbiome. The best way to promote a healthy microbiome is by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Some dietary components, such as prebiotics and probiotics, can have a beneficial effect on the gut microbiome.
Prebiotics are non-digestible components of food that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Examples of prebiotic foods include bananas, garlic, onions, and whole grains.
Probiotics contain live bacteria that replenish the gut microbiome. Some examples of probiotic foods include yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut. However, it’s important to note that while probiotics can be beneficial, not all strains of bacteria are the same, and their effectiveness in promoting gut health is not always clear.
The Link Between Gut Microbiome and Diseases
Research has linked the gut microbiome to several chronic diseases and conditions. Imbalances in gut microbes have been associated with:
– Obesity: The gut microbiome plays a role in regulating metabolism and energy levels, and an imbalance in gut bacteria could lead to weight gain.
– Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the digestive tract.
– Type 2 diabetes: Changes in the gut microbiome have been linked to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
– Mental health disorders: An imbalance in gut bacteria could affect mood and lead to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
Conclusion
The emerging field of research on gut microbiome is exciting because it highlights that a person’s health is not solely determined by genetics or lifestyle choices. It suggests that changes in diet and environmental factors can have an impact on the gut microbiome, and, indirectly, on health outcomes. The role of the gut is one that scientists are still learning about, but what’s clear is that maintaining a healthy gut is critical for overall health and wellbeing.
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A new study by researchers at Mass General Brigham has linked certain types of gut bacteria to the development of precancerous colon polyps. Their results are published in host cell and microbe.
“Researchers have done a lot of work to understand the relationship between the gut microbiome and cancer. But this new study is trying to understand the influence of the microbiome on precancerous polyps,” said co-corresponding author Daniel C. Chung, MD, co-chief medical officer. of the Center for Cancer Risk Assessment at the Mass General Cancer Center and a faculty member of the Division of Gastroenterology. “Through the microbiome, we potentially have an opportunity to intervene and prevent the formation of colorectal cancer.”
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US, and colorectal cancer rates are rising among young adults. Almost all colorectal cancers arise from a precancerous polyp. One of the best ways to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer is to stop the growth at the polyp stage.
There is more than one way for a polyp to develop. The two main types of polyps are tubular adenomas and sessile serrated polyps. Risk factors for colorectal cancer and polyps include lifestyle factors such as being overweight or obese, low levels of physical activity, a diet high in red and processed meats, smoking, and alcohol use. These factors also influence the bacteria that live in our intestines, collectively known as the gut microbiome.
The researchers believe that these environmental influences could promote polyp growth in one of two ways. They either change the gut microbiome directly in a way that encourages polyp growth, or they promote polyp growth, which in turn influences the gut microbiome by directly affecting the cells lining the intestines.
Previous smaller studies that have attempted to link the gut microbiome to polyps have not found a consistent pattern, although they did not specifically look at these two types of polyps.
To study the gut microbiome’s link to colon polyps, the researchers took data from 1,200 people who underwent routine screening colonoscopies. They collected information about their health, diet, medications, and lifestyle, and analyzed stool samples to determine the bacterial makeup of their gut microbiome. The new research is the largest study in a large collaborative research program, the GI Disease and Endoscopy Registry (GIDER) at Massachusetts General Hospital, allowing these researchers to understand gastrointestinal diseases in greater depth than ever before. This registry remains active and ongoing data collection will allow longitudinal follow-up.
The new study is the largest of its kind and looked at differences in the gut microbial signature of people without colon polyps, with tubular adenomas, or with sessile serrated adenomas. They also correlated this data with the patient’s health and family history.
Bacterial signatures were grouped into three groups based on the type and presence of colon polyps. Nineteen bacterial species were significantly different in patients with tubular adenomas than in other populations. In patients with sessile serrated adenomas, eight species were significantly different.
The authors note that the study population was predominantly white, limiting generalizability to other racial groups, and that the study cannot establish whether the bacterial species or adenoma tissue changed first. The next step is for researchers to isolate specific species of bacteria that operate in the gut and see if they can verify these functional relationships between bacterial species and polyp growth with a model in a laboratory. This information could help in the development of a probiotic or treatment to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer or as a screening method to assess the risk of polyps or colorectal cancer.
“The hope is that by changing specific aspects of the diet or the microbiome, we can alter the natural history of these polyps,” Chung said. “Interventions to prevent polyp formation or alter their growth patterns may ultimately prevent colorectal cancer.”
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/05/230531150141.htm
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