Friends and foes: impact of bacteria on genome stability - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #probiotics
- #bacterial infections
- #DNA damage
- Bacteria in the microbiome or during infections affect genome stability, with both harmful and protective effects.
- Pathogenic bacteria like E. coli, H. pylori, F. nucleatum, and C. jejuni cause DNA damage and are linked to cancer through toxins, inflammation, and immune modulation.
- Genotoxins such as colibactin and cytolethal distending toxin cause DNA breaks and instability, impairing repair mechanisms.
- Infections in gastrointestinal, urogenital, systemic, and neurological systems contribute to carcinogenesis in humans and animals.
- Commensal and probiotic bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium protect against DNA damage by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing repair.
- Short-chain fatty acids (e.g., butyrate) from probiotics help regulate genes, apoptosis, and mucosal health.
- Probiotics can counteract genotoxic effects of dietary and bacterial toxins, potentially preventing genome instability and cancer.
- The review emphasizes the dual role of bacteria in genome integrity and the need for microbial balance.