Prebiotics: A Potential Treatment Strategy for the Chemotherapy-damaged Gut?. Issue 6 (25th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Hanru; Geier, Mark S.; Howarth, Gordon S.
• Is Part Of: Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. Volume 56:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 946
• Page End: 956
• Publication Date: 2016-04-25
• Subjects: Animal models -- mucositis -- prebiotics -- chemotherapy; Food industry and trade -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Food -- Periodicals; Diet -- Periodicals; Review Literature -- Periodicals; Nutrition; Food; Diet; Review Literature; 664
• DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2012.741082
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-8398

Abstract

Abstract : Mucositis, characterized by ulcerative lesions along the alimentary tract, is a common consequence of many chemotherapy regimens. Chemotherapy negatively disrupts the intestinal microbiota, resulting in increased numbers of potentially pathogenic bacteria, such as Clostridia and Enterobacteriaceae, and decreased numbers of "beneficial" bacteria, such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. Agents capable of restoring homeostasis in the bowel microbiota could, therefore, be applicable to mucositis. Prebiotics are indigestible compounds, commonly oligosaccharides, that seek to reverse chemotherapy-induced intestinal dysbiosis through selective colonization of the intestinal microbiota by probiotic bacteria. In addition, evidence is emerging that certain prebiotics contribute to nutrient digestibility and absorption, modulate intestinal barrier function through effects on mucin expression, and also modify mucosal immune responses, possibly via inflammasome-mediated processes. This review examines the known mechanisms of prebiotic action, and explores their potential for reducing the severity of chemotherapy-induced mucositis in the intestine.