Possible correlation between Lactobacillus paracasei X12 intake and tumor characteristics in the rat model of colorectal cancer

Introduction: There are many different therapeutic approaches to control colorectal cancer (CRC) which is recognized as one of the deadliest diseases in the world today. One of the most recent of which is the probiotic interventions to change the gut microbiome. Probiotics can be related to the control of gastrointestinal cancers in a variety of ways. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between supplement use with macroscopic and physiological changes of tumor in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) -induced rats.

Methods: The male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Lactobacillus paracasei X12 was administrated (40 weeks) to the DMH-induced rats. DMH injection (30 mg/kg BW) was used for 12 weeks to induce CRC. The “AgNOR method” was applied for the evaluation of cell proliferation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure the gene expression of apoptotic markers.

Results: The findings of this study indicated that L. paracasei X12 intake prevented weight loss caused by CRC (P=001), and probiotic consumption could significantly prevent tumor growth. Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between apoptosis markers and weight of animals, and a strong negative correlation (P=000) between apoptosis parameters and tumor characteristics (incidence, volume, and multiplicity of adenomas). A close association between cell proliferation and tumor characteristics was illuminated as well (P<001).

Conclusion: This study revealed a strong correlation between tumor incidence and growth and probiotic intake in CRC. Moreover, it could be believed that cancer prevention is a far more essential and cost-effective way than its cure.