Colorectal cancer and gut microbiota studies in China

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant tumor worldwide. The incidence and mortality rates of CRC have been increasing in China, possibly due to economic development, lifestyle, and dietary changes. Evidence suggests that gut microbiota plays an essential role in the tumorigenesis of CRC. Gut dysbiosis, specific pathogenic microbes, metabolites, virulence factors, and microbial carcinogenic mechanisms contribute to the initiation and progression of CRC. Gut microbiota biomarkers have potential translational applications in CRC screening and early diagnosis. Gut microbiota-related interventions could improve anti-tumor therapy's efficacy and severe intestinal toxic effects. Chinese researchers have made many achievements in the relationship between gut microbiota and CRC, although some challenges remain. This review summarizes the current evidence from China on the role of gut microbiota in CRC, mainly including the gut microbiota characteristics, especially Fusobacterium nucleatum and Parvimonas micra, which have been identified to be enriched in CRC patients; microbial pathogens such as F. nucleatum and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, and P. micra, which Chinese scientists have extensively studied; diagnostic biomarkers especially F. nucleatum; therapeutic effects, including microecological agents represented by certain Lactobacillus strains, fecal microbiota transplantation, and traditional Chinese medicines such as Berberine and Curcumin. More efforts should be focused on exploring the underlying mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis of CRC and providing novel gut microbiota-related therapeutic and preventive strategies.

Automated summary

Colorectal cancer is on the rise in China, possibly due to economic development, lifestyle changes, and dietary habits. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development of colorectal cancer, with dysbiosis, specific pathogenic microbes, metabolites, virulence factors, and microbial carcinogenic mechanisms all contributing to its initiation and progression. Gut microbiota biomarkers have potential applications in screening and diagnosing colorectal cancer, while interventions targeting the gut microbiota could improve treatment efficacy and reduce intestinal toxic effects. Chinese researchers have made significant progress in understanding the role of gut microbiota in colorectal cancer, but further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop novel therapeutic and preventive strategies.