A review of the Role of Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis in the Development of Colorectal Cancer

Abolfazl  Jafari-Sales; Maryam Farahnaki- Sadabadi; Elham  Nozohour-Leilabadi; Negin Yagoubi  Azar; Maryam  Safari; Mehrdad  Pashazadeh

doi:10.18502/bccr.v16i2.19443

Abolfazl Jafari-Sales Department of Microbiology, Kaz.C., Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
Maryam Farahnaki- Sadabadi Infectious Diseases Research Center, TaMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
Elham Nozohour-Leilabadi Infectious Diseases Research Center, TaMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
Negin Yagoubi Azar Infectious Diseases Research Center, TaMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
Maryam Safari Infectious Diseases Research Center, TaMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
Mehrdad Pashazadeh Infectious Diseases Research Center, TaMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/bccr.v16i2.19443

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Bacteroides fragilis; Bacteroides fragilis toxin

Abstract

Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) plays a significant role in the developmentand progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) through the production of Bacteroides fra-gilis toxin (BFT). This toxin activates Wnt, NF-κB, and STAT3 signaling pathways, lead-ing to chronic inflammation, DNA damage, and abnormal cellular proliferation. ETBFin the gut microbiota can increase the risk of CRC by enhancing immune cell infil-tration, triggering inflammatory responses, and disrupting cell cycle regulation. ETBFdetection is performed using molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and immunomagnetic separation-PCR (IMS-PCR), which offer high accuracy inidentifying this bacterium. Immunomagnetic separation enhances the sensitivity andprecision of detection. In addition to precise diagnostic methods, preventive strategiesplay a crucial role in reducing the risk of CRC. A healthy diet, including increased fiberintake, reduced consumption of processed meats and saturated fats, along with main-taining a healthy weight and regular physical activity, are among the effective factorsin preventing this disease. Furthermore, stress reduction and avoidance of alcohol andtobacco can positively impact lowering the risk of CRC. A deeper understanding ofthe role of ETBF in CRC and its effects on molecular pathways can contribute to thedevelopment of novel preventive approaches. Investigating the composition of the gutmicrobiota and implementing preventive strategies based on lifestyle modifications notonly aids in identifying at-risk individuals but also plays a significant role in reducingthe prevalence and progression of this disease.