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Prebiotics: A Novel Approach to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Summary

This research explores how prebiotics – special types of non-digestible food ingredients – could help treat liver cancer. The study shows that prebiotics can positively influence gut health and potentially fight cancer through natural mechanisms. Impact on everyday life: • Suggests that certain foods rich in prebiotics may help prevent liver cancer • Offers a potentially safer and more affordable approach to cancer prevention • Highlights the importance of gut health in preventing serious diseases • Provides evidence for including more prebiotic-rich foods in daily diet • Shows promise for developing new natural treatments for liver cancer

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the sixth most common malignancy and third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. About 80% of HCC cases develop in cirrhotic liver. The gut-liver axis plays a crucial role in liver health, with the gastrointestinal tract serving as a metabolic and immunological barrier. Changes in gut permeability and increased translocation of lipopolysaccharides can trigger hepatocarcinogenesis through activation of Toll-like receptors.

Objective

To review and analyze the potential of prebiotics as a novel therapeutic approach for treating hepatocellular carcinoma through modulation of gut microbiota and reduction of procarcinogenic factors in the liver.

Results

Various prebiotics showed promising antitumor effects through multiple mechanisms: polyphenols demonstrated chemopreventive effects through immunomodulation, oligosaccharides enhanced NK cell activity and showed antitumor properties, botanical polysaccharides exhibited antiproliferative effects against tumor cells, and fructans decreased tumor size in hepatic models by altering gut microbiota composition and metabolites.

Conclusion

Prebiotics show potential as economical and safer antitumor agents against hepatocarcinogenesis through modulation of gut flora. The evidence suggests that prebiotics may represent novel strategies to prevent progression of chronic liver disorders to HCC, though further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved.
  • Published in:Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.1155/2017/6238106
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