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Review
. 2018 Feb;7(1):11-20.
doi: 10.21037/hbsn.2017.12.07.

Targeting gut microbiota in hepatocellular carcinoma: probiotics as a novel therapy

Murphy L Y Wan  1 , Hani El-Nezami  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Targeting gut microbiota in hepatocellular carcinoma: probiotics as a novel therapy

Murphy L Y Wan et al. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr. 2018 Feb.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer, is one of the dreaded complications of chronic liver disease. Recent experimental and clinical studies have revealed that the alteration of gut-liver axis plays a pivotal role in the onset of chronic liver diseases, including HCC. Altered gut microbiota and endotoxemia are increasingly recognized as critical components in promoting the progression of chronic liver diseases to HCC. Probiotics have been suggested as a novel, safe and cost-effective approach to prevent or treat HCC. Mechanisms by which probiotics exerts their anti-cancer effects include their ability to bind carcinogens, modulation of gut microbiota, improvement of intestinal barrier function, and immunomodulation. This review summarizes the literature findings of the changes in gut microbiota linked to HCC, and discusses the possible therapeutic implications of probiotics for HCC.

Keywords: Endotoxemia; gut microbiota; gut-liver axis; hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); probiotics.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis through the gut-liver axis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Proposed mechanism of action of probiotics against HCC. HCC, Hepatocellular carcinoma.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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