Iranian Biomedical Journal

Iranian Biomedical Journal

Presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum in the Mouth May Accelerate Colon Cancer

Authors
Aidin Amini Sefidab
Zahra Amirkhani
Ali Movassagh
Ali Rezaeian
10.61186/ibj.25th-11th-IACRTIMSS
Abstract
Introduction: Microbes commonly found in the human mouth can accelerate the growth of colon tumors. Fusobacterium nucleatum consists of several subgroups, but only one, FnaC2, appears to be associated with the cancer. Only the FnaC2 can move from the mouth to the stomach and then be released into the lower part of the digestive tract, including the colon. The FnaC2 subgroup was also more common in fecal samples collected from colorectal cancer patients than in healthy people. The purpose of this study was to review the fact that this bacterium is more commonly known as the cause of dental plaque formation and gum inflammation. In recent decades, its association with colorectal cancer has been the focus of researchers.

Search Strategy: We conducted an extensive search across electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, and explored the available English-language literature. The MeSH terms were "Fusobacterium nucleatum" OR "colorectal cancer" and "fecal samples". The search was restricted to studies published in English with accessible full texts. Review articles, duplicates, and non-relevant studies were excluded.

Results: According to the studies, 50% of colon tumors tested positive for the presence of the FnaC2 subgroup of F. nucleatum.

Conclusion and Discussion: The current research offers new insights into the fight against cancer and presents a fresh perspective on its treatment. Microbial-based cellular therapies may represent a new frontier in combating colon cancer. These treatments utilize modified forms of bacteria to deliver drugs directly to the tumor. Studies indicate that a specific subgroup of this microbe is linked to cancer growth. Our finding suggests that treatments and screenings targeting this subgroup could benefit individuals at higher risk for colorectal cancer.



Keywords
Colorectal Neoplasms
feces
Fusobacterium nucleatum
Iranian Biomedical Journal
Volume 28, Special Issue-October 2024 - Serial Number 116
November and December 2024
Pages 329-329