Probiotics modulate colorectal cancer in male BALB/c mice via metabolomics and gut microbiota regulation

Authored by

Sherif M. Afifi, Naglaa M. Ammar, Abdel Hamid Z. Abdel-Hamid, Heba A. Hassan, Ahmed Serag, Amr A. El-Waseif, Olfat G. Shaker, Tuba Esatbeyoglu, Mai M. El-Ashmony, Zeinab A. El-Gendy

Abstract

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related death. In male BALB/c mice given a high-fat diet and exposed to pathogenic Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, this study assessed the therapeutic potential of Lactobacillus paracasei. For eight weeks, mice were given an oral supplement of L. paracasei (1 × 10⁹ CFU/mouse) every day. Treatment with probiotics significantly decreased aberrant crypt foci and colon tumor lesions (p < 0.05). Mechanistically, L. paracasei rectified cancer-associated metabolic disruptions, especially in lipid and amino acid pathways, and enhanced p53 activity while down regulating VEGF, HIF-1α, and BCL-2. It also restored gut microbial balance. These findings demonstrate pro-apoptotic, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects mediated by p53 and HIF-1α/VEGF signaling. Our results give a translational foundation for probiotic-based therapies in human patients and preclinical evidence in favor of probiotics as an adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer.

Details

Organisation(s): Institute of Food and One Health
External Organisation(s): University of Bologna
National Research Center, Cairo
Al-Azhar University
Cairo University
Type: Article
Journal: Tissue and Cell
Volume: 102
ISSN: 0040-8166
Publication date: 10.05.2026
Publication status: E-pub ahead of print
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Developmental Biology, Cell Biology
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tice.2026.103577 (Access: Open )