Gut Bacteria Linked with Colorectal Cancer

Gut bacteria are currently getting a lot of attention for their role in regulating weight gain and links with autism. A new study has found that people with lower levels of good bacteria have higher risk of colorectal cancer.

Cancers that affect the colon and rectum are called colorectal cancers. It is the fourth most common cancer in both men and women in the U.S.

A previous study conducted by researchers in China had found out that a gut bacterium called dysbacteriosis may be responsible for obesity in some people. A related study says that a good way to help the "good bacteria" grow in the gut is to include fiber in the diet.

For the present study, researchers at New York University Medical Center compared the DNA of internal bacteria in stool samples of over 140 people, of which, some had colorectal cancer. Researchers found that samples obtained from cancer patients had higher levels of Fusobacteria when compared to those from healthy subjects.

"Our findings are important because identification of these microbes may open the door for colorectal cancer prevention and treatment," said Jiyoung Ahn, PhD, assistant professor of population health, and a member of NYU Cancer Institute, lead author of the study.

Recently, independent studies from Harvard University and Case Western Reserve University have shown that Fusobacteria is linked with colorectal cancer. These gram negative bacteria are associated with gum disease.

The present study also found that the patients had lower amount of good bacteria called Clostridia. These microbes help digest fiber and carbohydrates.

"Our next step is to study how diet and lifestyle factors modulate these gut bacteria associated with colorectal cancer. This may lead to ways to prevent this disease" said Dr. Ahn in a press release.

The study is published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.