Published online Oct 15, 2015. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v7.i10.233
Peer-review started: May 12, 2015
First decision: July 6, 2015
Revised: August 2, 2015
Accepted: September 7, 2015
Article in press: September 8, 2015
Published online: October 15, 2015
Processing time: 173 Days and 7.4 Hours
The human gastrointestinal tract hosts a complex and vast microbial community with up to 1011-1012 microorganisms colonizing the colon. The gut microbiota has a serious effect on homeostasis and pathogenesis through a number of mechanisms. In recent years, the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and sporadic colorectal cancer has attracted much scientific interest. Mechanisms underlying colonic carcinogenesis include the conversion of procarcinogenic diet-related factors to carcinogens and the stimulation of procarcinogenic signaling pathways in luminal epithelial cells. Understanding each of these mechanisms will facilitate future studies, leading to the development of novel strategies for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of colorectal cancer. In this review, we discuss the relationship between colorectal cancer and the intestinal microbiota.
Core tip: Microbiota’s role in providing intestinal homeostasis is not as an audience, but it is active. Both the composition of microbiota and its metabolic activity impact the sensitivity of the host and can cause many pathologies including colorectal cancer.