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Review
. 2013 Nov;138(5):808-14.

Probiotics as efficient immunopotentiators: translational role in cancer prevention

Kan Shida, Koji Nomoto  1
Affiliations
Review

Probiotics as efficient immunopotentiators: translational role in cancer prevention

Kan Shida et al. Indian J Med Res. 2013 Nov.

Abstract

Accumulating evidences indicate that some diseases are triggered by abnormalities of the gut microbiota. Among these, immune-related diseases can be the promising targets for probiotcs. Several studies have proved the efficacy of probiotics for preventing such diseases including cancers, infections, allergies, inflammatory bowel diseases and autoimmune diseases. Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) is one of the most popular probiotics, benefits of which in health maintenance and disease control have been supported by several science-based evidences. This review summarizes human clinical trials with this probiotic against cancer development and also discusses the possible immunomodulatory mechanisms by which LcS exerts anti-cancer activity.

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Figures

Fig
Fig
Resistance of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) to intracellular digestion in macrophages. Mouse peritoneal macrophages were cultured with LcS (A) and L. johnsonii JCM 2012T (B) for 24 h and stained with Giemsa. Lysis of lactobacilli in macrophages was observed by light microscopy. LcS engulfed by macrophages (arrows) shows significant resistance to digestion. Original magnification: × 1000.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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