ABSTRACT
Background: Preclinical research has identified the mechanisms via which bacteria influence cancer treatment outcomes. Clinical studies have demonstrated the potential to modify the microbiome in cancer treatment. Herein, we systematically analyze how gut microorganisms interact with chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, specifically focusing on how gut bacteria affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cancer treatment. Method: This study searched Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed until August 2023. Studies were screened by their title and abstract using the Rayyan intelligent tool for systematic reviews. Quality assessment of studies was done using the JBI critical appraisal tool. Result: Alterations in the gut microbiome are associated with gastric cancer and precancerous lesions. These alterations include reduced microbial alpha diversity, increased bacterial overgrowth, and decreased richness and evenness of gastric bacteria. Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with reduced richness and evenness of gastric bacteria, while eradication only partially restores microbial diversity. The gut microbiome also affects the response to cancer treatments, with higher abundances of Lactobacillus associated with better response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy and more prolonged progression-free survival. Antibiotic-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis can reduce the anti-tumor efficacy of 5-Fluorouracil treatment, while probiotics did not significantly enhance it. A probiotic combination containing Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus cereus can reduce inflammation, enhance immunity, and restore a healthier gut microbial balance in gastric cancer patients after partial gastrectomy. Conclusion: Probiotics and targeted interventions to modulate the gut microbiome have shown promising results in cancer prevention and treatment efficacy.Systematic review registration: https://osf.io/6vcjp.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most common types of endocrine disease and the immune system plays a predominant role in its pathogenesis. AIMS: The present study aimed to examine known gene polymorphisms within IL-12B (+1188) region and its circulating serum levels in Type 2 diabetic patients from the southeastern region of Iran and compare them with unrelated controls. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this clinical study, peripheral blood was collected from 114 Type 2 diabetic patients and 100 healthy controls. Serum levels of IL-12B were measured by ELISA. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples and polymorphisms at the +1188 position of the IL-12B gene were assessed using PCR restriction fragment-length polymorphism. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrated that the AA genotype and the A allele of IL-12B were increased significantly in Type 2 diabetic patients when compared with controls. Our results also showed that the circulating levels of IL-12B were significantly decreased in Type 2 diabetic patients when compared with controls. CONCLUSION: According to the findings of the current study, we concluded that IL-12B and its +1188 polymorphism may play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes. Further replicative investigations using a larger sample size are essential to identify additional IL-12B genetic variants associated with a risk of Type 2 diabetes.